STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST REGARDING VETERANS DAY

November 9, 2007

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“I join all Floridians in saluting the courageous men and women of our Armed Forces, past and present, on this Veterans Day.  We honor our nation’s veterans, including the 1.8 million veterans living throughout Florida. Their service and sacrifice have given us the freedoms and liberties we enjoy. 

“As we celebrate the rich history of our veterans and their contributions to the American experience, let us not forget their families, who through their love, support and sacrifice also serve our nation.

“May God bless our nation’s veterans and their families.”

VETERANS DAY

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, and Coast Guardsmen 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 1.8 million living veterans, whose sacrifice and service have helped to provide the freedom that we enjoy today;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Charlie Crist, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing November 11, 2007 as Veterans Day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed at Tallahassee, the Capital, this 5th day of November, in the year two thousand seven.

Charlie Crist
Governor