State Leaders Speak About Veterans Day

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Florida's leaders have shared their thoughts on today's observance of Veterans Day.

Governor Charlie Crist:
"On Veterans Day, our nation pauses to honor the brave men and women in uniform who have defended and continue to defend the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. 

"To the more than 1.7 million veterans who live throughout Florida, we are forever indebted to you.  To every member of the armed forces, we thank you. We are praying for your protection and safe return and for your families and loved ones.

"At this time, more than 3,000 of our Florida guardsmen and women are preparing to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan to join the nearly 600 currently overseas.  There are no words to express such heroism, such selflessness, such honor. Every American who wears and has worn the uniform is a true hero, serving the highest calling of citizenship. Our state and country is safer because of your sacrifices.

"I encourage all Floridians to join me in offering encouragement to the families of these brave men and women.  The members of our armed forces and their families deserve our respect and thanks for the sacrifices they have made.

"May God continue to bless Florida, our nation, our armed forces, our veterans and their families."

Senator George LeMieux, R-FL:
"On Veterans Day, Americans honor the men and women who have shouldered the cause of freedom to keep us safe and free. I encourage every American to take the time to thank those who have worn our nation's uniform.
 
"Across Florida, our communities will gather to honor the men and women who fought in conflicts far and near.  Let us remember their commitment as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice by paying for our freedom with their lives.
 
"As we pay tribute to the men and women who have answered our nation's call to duty, let us also remember the support of their families and loved ones.  With servicemen and women fighting for our freedom overseas, their absence commands our thoughts and prayers for their safe return."

Congressman Ander Crenshaw, R-FL:
"With American servicemen and women at war in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is more important than ever that we take time and recognize their brave predecessors on Veterans' Day. On this day, we express gratitude to those who fought tyranny, sometimes paying with their lives, so that we may continue to live in freedom.

"Members of our Armed Forces put their lives on the line for our liberty and must receive the honor and care they deserve. Veterans on the First Coast, across Florida, and the nation should know that I remain committed to ensuring that they have access to quality health care and receive the full benefits that they have earned.

"Let us take time out of our often busy schedules to honor and respect the heroism of our men and women in uniform. They have earned our lasting respect and admiration on this and every Veterans' Day."

Attorney General Bill McCollum:
"Every day, heroic men and women answer the call to serve our nation in  the Armed Forces. The decision to do so comes with the very real knowledge  that they will have to make sacrifices for their country and could  ultimately give their lives while protecting U.S. interests both domestic  and abroad.

 "On Veterans Day, we pay tribute and respect to these brave Americans who  have put their lives on the line to protect our country from oppression  and guard our basic rights that every human being should be granted. Our  veterans deserve our respect and appreciation for protecting this great  nation, and I am grateful for the service of all of the men and women who  have proudly and courageously defended the United States of America."

Chief Financial Office Alex Sink, who offered a resolution to the Florida Cabinet:
WHEREAS, for more than 200 years, individuals from all walks of life have taken up arms and sworn an oath to support and defend the principles upon which our country was founded; and

WHEREAS, throughout our history, courageous men and women have donned the uniform of our Armed Forces and built a noble tradition of faithful and dedicated service to our Nation; and

WHEREAS, Veterans Day has been set aside as both a national and state holiday to honor the 50 million American patriots who answered the call of duty, preserving our freedoms and often making the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, we can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to those heroic men and women who served, were wounded, or even died in battle; and

WHEREAS, the unwavering commitment of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and Merchant Mariners has preserved our freedoms and saved millions around the world from tyranny; and

WHEREAS, we continue to draw inspiration from the heroism and dedication of those who currently serve and sacrifice for the cause of liberty and justice; and
           
WHEREAS, it is fitting that all Floridians honor America's military veterans, including Florida's more than 1.7 million living veterans, through whose service and sacrifice we today enjoy freedom and liberty.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby recognize November 11, 2009, as VETERANS DAY and call upon all Floridians to honor the contributions of current and former members of the United States Armed Services.
                       
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby encourage citizens to participate in local Veterans Day activities honoring the men and women who have stood watch over America.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official Seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee on this 27th day of October, 2009.

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