Yesterday, communities across America will celebrate and honored U.S. military veterans for their patriotism, love of county, and willingness to serve during war and peace time. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice ending World War began. It is the origin of Veterans Day, a U.S. holiday. I urge you to take time to honor our military veterans and give them the recognition they deserve.

Our veterans are selfless in their efforts to protect our nation and its people. Many have also paid a high price in their service, suffering physical and psychological wounds or both. They have endured lengthy periods away from their families and friends. But time and again, the American veteran was the only line between living in freedom and living under tyranny. Our veterans are parents, children, grandparents, siblings, friends, and neighbors and are an important part of our community.

Anyone who would like to assist our veterans please contact your local Michigan Veterans Affairs Service Department. And if you are a veteran, and you need to talk to someone today or any day, please call 988, press 1, or text 838255, or visit michigan.gov/mvaa.

To our people in uniform, past, present, and future, thank you for defending our nation.

LORA E. GREENE,

Atlanta