Reps. Sheen, Woronchak, Drolet, Newell, Vander Veen, Hoogendyk, Palsrok, Middaugh, DeRoche, Brandenburg, Garfield, Pappageorge, Hart, Mortimer, Emmons, Gleason, Byrum, Vagnozzi, Accavitti, Anderson, Lipsey, Howell, Gaffney, Van Regenmorter, Huizenga, Hager, Caswell, Clack, Stahl, Wenke, Koetje, Bieda, Hopgood, Law, Wojno, Tobocman, Hunter, Plakas, Sak, O'Neil, Smith, Hood, Farrah, Kolb, Ruth Johnson, Hune, Rocca, Nofs, Farhat, Dennis, Richardville, Jamnick, Spade, Brown, Meyer, Elkins, Woodward, Minore, Williams, Moolenaar, Stakoe, Walker, DeRossett, Amos, Pastor, Kooiman, Robertson, Shaffer, LaJoy, Taub, Voorhees, Bisbee, Hummel, Milosch, Acciavatti, Nitz, Shulman, Tabor, Casperson, Julian and Zelenko offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 173.

            A resolution commemorating the contributions of Michigan veterans to preserving American freedoms.

            Whereas, Throughout the course of American history, courageous men and women have taken up arms to secure, defend and maintain the principles on which our nation's freedoms depend; and

            Whereas, Terrorists ruthlessly attacked our land and our freedoms. Their attempt to assail the American spirit failed, and our nation's response reveals the spirit of freedom is as strong as ever. American troops are now fighting overseas to defeat terrorism, following in the footsteps of the 48 million men and women who have stepped forward to defend our land since our nation's founding; and

            Whereas, There are more than 25 million living veterans who served our nation in times of peace and war. These veterans have diverse religious beliefs and come from varying backgrounds and ethnicities. Through their service, they kept America strong, and have protected our way of life from tyranny's grip for over two centuries. At this moment, men and women from Michigan are serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard around the world. They represent our resolute dedication to achieving a lasting peace out of the challenges and threats of the 21st century; and

            Whereas, Veterans' Day is a time to pause and reflect on the sacrifices of all those who have served in the United States military. Let us especially honor our veterans from Michigan, who have proved their heroism and love of country again and again-from Gettysburg to Iwo Jima, from the Chosin Reservoir to the War in Iraq. They defended our ideals across the globe, and they continue to inspire those who defend America today half a world away; and

            Whereas, More than a million American men and women have died in service to America, and more than a million and a half have been wounded. Some veterans sustained serious injuries in combat and now live with disabilities. Our nation will always be grateful for the noble sacrifices of our veterans; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body honor all Michigan veterans who have served in the United States military for their sacrifices in demonstrating the timeless truth that freedom is not free. We urge all Michigan citizens to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Michigan veterans, their families and service organizations as a token of our appreciation for their service.