November 11, 2023: Veterans Day

WHEREAS, Veterans make courageous and selfless sacrifice to protect our state and nation; and,

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

WHEREAS, this day, we honor 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 19 million Veterans, including more than 530,000 in Michigan, and encourage citizens throughout the state to recognize the importance of this day as we show our utmost gratitude to our Veterans and their families; and,

WHEREAS, we should also join the efforts of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in establishing outreach efforts to newly returning vets, individuals with mental health needs, and those experiencing homelessness. They are also increasing outreach to Veterans who have been historically underrepresented, including women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people of color; and,

WHEREAS, it is our shared 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, 2023, as Veterans Day in Michigan.