Gov. Gregoire honors veterans, offers thanks to deployed soldiers - 2,400 Washington service members deployed around the world

For Immediate Release: November 11, 2008

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today honored the personal sacrifice of Washington�s many veterans while offering gratitude to deployed soldiers and their families.

�On Veterans Day, we honor our brave Washingtonians who have selflessly served in the armed forces. Their courage and commitment are admirable,� Gregoire said. �We also pay our deepest respect to the memories of the courageous men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and pray for their families and friends.�

Gregoire also recognized the significance of Veterans Day at a ceremony on Nov. 8 in Auburn, where she offered her thanks to the nearly 2,400 Washington servicemen and -women deployed around the world. She also expressed her respect to those who are making the greatest sacrifice for our country.

Gregoire reminds Washingtonians that the members of the Washington National Guard are friends, neighbors and co-workers, and deserve our appreciation and support.

�Today we honor everyone who has ever worn our nation�s uniform and safeguarded the principles of freedom that we stand for. I personally extend my heartfelt thanks to our deployed members of the Washington National Guard, their families and their employers,� said Maj. General Timothy Lowenberg, Washington State�s adjutant general.

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs offers referral services on a range of issues associated with veterans� benefits and entitlements. For more information, visit: http://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans_benefits.html.