These are challenging times for us today as citizens of the world. My prayers are with the Michigan men and women who are protecting our safety abroad and at home.

While there is no reason to believe or evidence to suggest that any credible threat exists against our state, as your Governor my first priority remains ensuring the safety of our home land and our communities.

I am urging all Michiganians to remain calm and to cooperate with state and local officials in our efforts to maintain the safety and security of our communities.

We are coordinating our emergency responses at the state, local and federal levels. Emergency plans are in place in every community and at the state level to secure our critical infrastructure and to respond quickly in the unlikely event that an emergency happens.

Citizens should stay tuned to their television and radio stations for up to the minute information on the war and its impact here at home. They can also visit our website at http://www.michigan.gov/ for the latest information from the State of Michigan.

Because of our demographics and borders, Michigan is in the unique position of not only being home to the largest Arab population outside the Middle East; but it also is the gateway to Canada, whose international border puts us at the frontline of homeland security.

I continue to be in constant communication with the Michigan Homeland Security Advisor Col. Mike McDaniel, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Director, Maj. Gen.Thomas Cutler, and Michigan State Police Director, Lt. Col. Tadarial Sturdivant, along long with other appropriate State, local and federal emergency authorities to ensure the most coordinated and effective emergency response possible, should it be necessary.

As citizens the most important thing we can do is to nurture understanding and support for our neighbors here at home. It is important to remember this great republic of ours is a mosaic of people from every part of the world. The state of Michigan is emblematic of this diversity and continues to be a model for the rest of the country in promoting inclusion and fairness by embracing differences.

I realize that conflict has the potential to increase stress and to exacerbate tensions among people. But I urge you to exercise restraint in dealing with your neighbors, friends and co-workers. Please endeavor to treat people from all walks of life with respect and dignity. I encourage all of our citizens to treat one another with respect and dignity and to refrain from retaliating against one another or on the symbols of our government.

As Americans – and Michiganians in particular – have done in the past, we will respond to this challenge with calmness, determination and sacrifice. At every level we should join together in efforts to assure the safety of our nation, our community and our families.

That is the best way to honor the friends, the families, and other loved ones who are overseas fighting for our country as well as those through out our state defending our communities.

I hope that we will come together to pray for peace and for the safe return of our troops. And I hope that we will all offer our support to the families of our servicemen and women, and show tolerance, understanding and respect for all of our fellow citizens.