We can't equate spending on veterans with spending on defense. Our strength is not just in the size of our defense budget, but in the size of our hearts, in the size of our gratitude for their sacrifice. And that's not just measured in words or gestures.
- Jennifer Granholm

Veterans Day doesn't get the attention of Christmas or the Fourth of July, but it definitely deserves that status.

Throughout our history, our soldiers, whether the informal militias of our nations' earliest days or today's advanced special operatives who operate with amazing stealth and agility, have risked their lives to make this county and the world a better place.

Our men and women have fought for several worthy causes throughout history, including for independence for a country that became the most welcoming in the world, to prevent unwarranted aggressiveness and expansionism and against dictators, human rights violators and terrorists.
As we all celebrate Veterans Day in the year 2012, we hope that we all remain mindful of the enormous debt of gratitude we owe not only to our veterans nationwide but to the several thousand who live right here in Newton County.

The United States in practice is far from perfect, but we believe in the ideals upon which this county was founded, and our brave men and women have never been shy about sacrificing their lives to fight for causes we all believe in. To whom much is given, much is expected and Americans past and present have been mindful of their responsibility.

We offer our earnest thanks today for our veterans. May today be only one of many in which we remember their sacrifice.

If you have a veteran that lives in your house, give them a hug and let them know they're appreciated.