Bredesen Honors Veterans Working in State Government
Released on Tue, Nov 10, 2009 - 1:54 pm under
Governor Bredesen and Commissioner Keys of Veterans Affairs with honorees Justin Jacks, John Miller, Brenda Smith, and David Grant Montgomery
NASHVILLE - Governor Phil Bredesen Tuesday joined officials from the Departments of Human Resources, Military and Veterans Affairs and members of the Tennessee Army and Air National Guard to honor Tennessee’s veterans working in state government. The observance paid special tribute to the veterans who have served in every conflict since the nation’s founding, as well as the service of soldiers currently serving at home and abroad.
Governor Bredesen spoke about the sacrifices of fellow Tennesseans and the strain it puts upon their loved ones a home.
“Today we pay a special tribute to all the veterans here in Tennessee who have made this “the Volunteer State” by time and again answering our nation’s call to duty – both at home and abroad.
“As we honor these brave men and women, it is also appropriate to honor their families … and thank them for the sacrifices they make when the time comes for their loved ones to serve. We recognize those sacrifices, and we recognize that we must do everything in our power to ease those burdens for families, both when our servicemen and women are away, and when they return home.
“This is also a time to remember those we have lost in the line of duty. We salute those brave men and women who gave their lives to defend our freedom. We honor and remember them.”
Bredesen also paid special tribute to those veterans who continue to serve by working in state government. During the ceremony, the Governor recognized four state employees from the departments of Military, Correction, Safety and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
“These individuals, for whom public duty is a way of life, continue to serve our state and its people in so many ways. In all corners of state government, veterans are working for the good of Tennessee each and every day.
“I would like to encourage all Tennesseans – today, and tomorrow – to take a moment to give thanks for the freedom, hope and opportunity that comes with life and liberty in our great country. None of these things would be possible without the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”
Veterans Day will be observed Wednesday, November 11, 2009.
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