Whereas, Veterans have brought great honor to our nation and have given true meaning to the highest standards of patriotism by having more than 48 million soldiers serving the United States of America with apparently 1.5 million soldiers from the state of Michigan; and,

Whereas, Today, there are more than 40,000 wounded soldiers and more than 750,000 veterans who have been honorably discharged who currently reside in Michigan; and,

Whereas, Michigan has felt great sadness with the families of more than 14,000 soldiers from the state of Michigan who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for their country; and,

Whereas, In 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the G.I. Bill into law to give American service men and women the assurance of satisfactory employment upon their return to civilian life; and,

Whereas, Today's veterans are entitled to the same economic and employment opportunities as every Michigan citizen, and through their military experience and training, they are ready to offer Michigan employers a wide range of business, technical, and leadership skills; and,

Whereas, This state is committed to bringing together highly qualified veterans and employers by using the broad range of workforce programs and services, including the No Worker Left Behind Initiative, Transitional Assistance Program, Green Jobs Program, state veterans representatives, and Michigan Works!; and,

Whereas, Michigan is fortunate to have immediate availability of highly trained veterans to enter the workforce and make invaluable contributions to the workplace; and,

Whereas, Public Law 107-288, Jobs For Veterans Act, was created to review and improve employment, training and placement services for veterans;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2009 Hire a Veteran Month in Michigan.