November 11, 2019: Veterans Day

WHEREAS, Veterans make the brave choice to protect our state and nation, and, on this day, we take the time to honor their sacrifice; and,

 

WHEREAS, President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day, commonly recognized as Veterans Day, on November 11, 1919; and,

 

WHEREAS, this day, we honor the brave military service members and their families and commemorate the signing of the Armistice agreement between the Allies and Germany, which formally ended the major hostilities of World War I on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month in 1918; and,

 

WHEREAS, in 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a law designating the 11^th of each November as Veterans Day; and,

   

WHEREAS, on this day and every day, we honor the contributions and sacrifices of our nation's approximately 20 million Veterans, including the nearly 600,000 living in Michigan, and encourage citizens throughout the state to recognize the importance of this day as we show our utmost gratitude to our Veterans, the fallen, and their families; and,

 

WHEREAS, we should also join efforts of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in recognizing and establishing outreach efforts to groups within the Veterans community who have been historically underrepresented, including women, LGBTQ, individuals with mental health needs, and newly returning vets; and,

 

WHEREAS, it is our common responsibility to honor and protect our state’s Veterans, just as they have made a brave choice to protect all of us;

 

 NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2019, as Veterans Day in Michigan.