The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership, offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 155.

            A resolution honoring the immense contribution veterans of the U.S. armed services have made for our country and to our quality of life.  

             Whereas, November 11 is the anniversary of the Armistice which was signed in the Forest of Compiegne by the Allies and the Germans in 1918, ending World War I, after four years of conflict; and

Whereas, Veterans Day emerged from this great outpouring of relief and thanksgiving that marked the end of World War I.  Americans wanted to mark the day because it was the war that would make the world safe for democracy - the war to end all wars; and

Whereas, We must never take for granted the unselfish sacrifices our veterans have made to protect the freedom and liberty we enjoy today.  Veterans Day gives us a chance to honor the courage of these brave men and women.  We have mourned for their pain and loss.  We have held our breath waiting for wars to end.  We have gratefully welcomed them home.  And we have taken pride in their tremendous service; and

Whereas, As we celebrate the great contributions of our military veterans, we are aware that future United States veterans and our current members of the armed forces, are fighting for our way of life right now.  In the desert and mountains of Afghanistan, and in the cities of Iraq; and

Whereas, This Legislature has tremendous gratitude and respect for veterans and all of the men and women in uniform who defend our freedom.  Through the years, they have never failed to demonstrate courage, sacrifice, and a strong sense of duty.  Our great nation could not exist without the sacrifice and service of our veterans, from the Revolutionary War to the present; and

Whereas, Our freedom is a living monument to our veterans.  The monument is not confined to the mall in Washington, D.C., or on a plaque at the Michigan Capitol.  It stretches from ocean to ocean in this great nation, and must be acknowledged at every dinner table in Michigan, even if it’s not November 11; and

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body respect and honor U.S. military veterans.  May we never lose sight of the fact that the human spirit will not be crushed in America or in any other country as long as we continue to be blessed with such people of courage and honor.