State of Alaska > Governor > Proclamations  > Full Proclamation

Hire A Veteran Month   Printer Friendly

WHEREAS, throughout our nation's history, the freedoms we hold dear have been protected by the brave men and women of our armed forces. From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our nation's ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe; and

WHEREAS, America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known; and

WHEREAS, our troops have demonstrated their honorable commitment to our country and Americans everywhere. Forsaking the comforts of home, they have risked their lives to protect the liberties we enjoy; and

WHEREAS, Veterans Day is observed on the anniversary of the World War I armistice that ended hostilities on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918; and

WHEREAS, veterans and active-duty military are an integral part of Alaska’s economy and social foundation. Whenever called upon to defend our nation’s security at home or abroad, the men and women who serve in the Marine Corps, U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and National Guard and Reserves have responded immediately and effectively, selflessly placing national interests above their own; and

WHEREAS, Alaska is the home to 75,598 veterans plus their family members, the largest per capita population of veterans in the nation. There are more than 44,000 veterans employed in Alaska. The State of Alaska’s job center staff served over 13,000 veterans statewide during the last fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, today’s veterans offer Alaska businesses the benefits of competent skills, education, leadership, maturity, and dedication learned in the military.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim November 2009 as:

Hire a Veteran Month

in Alaska, and encourage all employers to provide employment opportunities to those who have courageously served in the Armed Forces.

Dated: October 23, 2009