State

LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed November 11 as Veterans Day in Michigan, honoring the more than 516,000 veterans in our state and all those who served before them. 

"On Veterans Day, we celebrate the Michiganders who served our state and nation in uniform and honor those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms," said Governor Whitmer. "In Michigan, let’s work together to ensure the more than 530,000 veterans and their families who call our great state home have the support they need to thrive. Let’s keep working together so they can get good-paying jobs, affordable housing, quality health care, and quality education or skills training. Michigan will always fight for those who fought for us." 

“On Veteran’s Day, we honor the courage of the few who chose to serve, dedicating themselves to a calling that demands sacrifice," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. "It is through their unwavering commitment that we enjoy the freedoms we hold dear. May we always remember and respect those who stood willing to defend our nation.” 

While there are many ways to celebrate Veterans Day, including flying the U.S. flag, volunteering at a local veterans home or simply thanking a veteran for his or her service, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) encourages veterans to investigate their earned benefits by calling 1-800-MICH-VET. 

“Michigan is home to more than 516,000 veterans and their families,” said Brian L. Love, director of the MVAA. “Each one brings their unique story of service with them everywhere they go. MVAA is dedicated to making sure that all Michigan’s veterans and their family members are supported and can succeed in the communities they live, work and play in.” 

Michigan is committed to making the state the premier choice for military service members, veterans and their families to live, work, serve and play. In support of this effort, the MVAA helps connect veterans with federal, state and local benefits and resources they earned for their service. To learn more about employment, healthcare, education and quality-of-life benefits, veterans can contact the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 1-800-MICH-VET or visit Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. 

For more information on upcoming ceremonies and activities to honor veterans and military families, please visit the MVAA events calendar. 

Earlier this month, Governor Whitmer proclaimed November as Veterans and Military Families Month. View the proclamation here. The governor also signed legislation last week creating a “woman veteran” special license plate and expanded the eligibility of the Disabled Veteran registration plate to partially disabled veterans. 

LANSING, Mich.  – This week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan Senate Bill 788, providing women veterans an opportunity to display their service to our country by creating a “woman veteran” special license plate. 

“Today, I signed a bill that recognizes the more than 46,000 brave Michigan women veterans who served our nation in uniform, defending our freedoms abroad and here at home,” said Governor Whitmer. “These special license plates give these brave servicewomen the opportunity to share their stories and build community through their shared experience as women veterans. Together, let’s continue to celebrate our veterans and fight for those who fought for us.” 

Senate Bill 788, sponsored by state Senator Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit), allows a woman veteran to apply to the Secretary of State for a “woman veteran” special license plate, increasing recognition for women veterans and allowing them to proudly display their service.  

"Our veterans have risked everything to protect our freedoms and secure our nation. They deserve meaningful recognition for their dedication and sacrifices," said state Senator Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit). "This new legislation will establish a specialty license plate specifically for women veterans, honoring their service and allowing them to display their status with pride. Thank you to the governor, and to my colleagues for supporting our women veterans." 

“Female veterans are rarely recognized or thanked for their service," said state Senator Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe), Chair of the Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee. "This is one small way for the general public to recognize them so that they can show their appreciation.” 

“For decades, women across Michigan have stepped up to serve our nation, protecting freedom and democracy,” said state Senator Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.). “Filled with a sense of duty, they defied every obstacle and proved they were qualified, ready, and up to the task of defending our country. By establishing a specialty license plate for women veterans to proudly display their service, we celebrate these brave veterans’ determination and self-sacrifice every day of the year.”