Whereas, The Eighth Air Force has continued as an operational combat unit to this day with over one million serving the country in war and peace; and,

Whereas, No mighty Eighth mission was ever turned back due to enemy action, but the cost was 26,000 killed in action or missing and over 280,000 prisoners of war; and,

Whereas, In the one week period of October 8-14, 1943, the Eighth Air Force lost over 150 heavy bombers to enemy action in the skies over Europe, and despite heavy losses, many feel this was the turning point for daytime strategic bombing; and,

Whereas, Today, Eighth Air Force Historical Society members are seeking to inform later generations of the contributions and sacrifices made by their members to perpetuate our freedom and way of life; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of October 8, 2003, as Mighty Eighth Air Force Week.