Governor salutes Florida veterans

Florida Governor Charlie Crist sent Historic City News readers the following message including his thoughts on the Veterans Day holiday.

“Veterans Day is an important time for our state and nation to pause and honor the courageous men and women of our Armed Forces,” Crist said. “Their selfless service protects the ideals and freedoms that make America what it is today.”

“I encourage all Floridians to honor this special time of tribute to the men and women in our Armed Forces and proudly show patriotic spirit by displaying the American Flag and participating in Veterans Day events in your community,” Crist wrote.

Governor’s statement:

Florida is proud to be home to more than 1.6 million veterans, and we can never repay our debt of gratitude to them. These brave men and women have sacrificed much, and many have made the ultimate sacrifice defending our country.

At this time, there are more than 3,000 of our Florida National Guardsmen and women who are currently overseas. We applaud their patriotism and pray for their protection and safe return home. I also ask all Floridians to join me in offering encouragement to their families and loved ones. Military families are a strong source of support to our communities and the sacrifices they make while their loved ones are deployed are worthy of our respect.

The state of Florida also remains committed to assisting our veterans transiting into civilian life. Since the launch earlier this year of our Employ Florida Vets website, veterans.employflorida.com, more than two thousand veterans and veterans or vet-qualified spouses have found jobs with veteran-friendly employers. They have served our nation well and deserve our support and every opportunity for success.

“May God continue to bless Florida, our nation, our armed forces, our veterans and their families.”

Photo credits: © 2010 Historic City News staff photographer