Michigan Veterans Affairs Association Director Brian Love thanks Vietnam veterans for their service during a pinning ceremony in commemoration of Veterans Day held on Nov. 12, 2024 in Heritage Hall. | Kyle Davidson
In a Tuesday morning ceremony, veterans and government officials gathered in Heritage Hall at the state Capitol to recognize Michigan’s more than 516,000 veterans.
Following the presentation of colors from members of the Dewitt Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 671, Michigan Veterans Affairs Association Director Brian Love welcomed a number of speakers to share their stories and appreciation of service in commemorating Veterans Day, celebrated the day prior.
State Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe) discussed her childhood growing up on installations across the U.S. and Europe, learning about the Pearl Harbor attacks at Schofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii, and attending church at Fort Myer where she would sit on a stone wall behind the church overlooking Arlington National Cemetery.
“When I was very young, I didn’t understand the significance of service and sacrifice. I was only four years old when my dad was in Vietnam.… It wasn’t until fast forward, a lot of places later, we were in Louisiana, and my husband was deployed for the first time, I recognized the fear, the anxiety and the loneliness that I know my mother went through, and many mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters went through before us,” Klinefelt said.
“This isn’t Memorial Day. This is Veterans Day. So it’s a celebration. We have a lot to celebrate for what you all have done for us, and you have every right to be so proud of your service. Such a small sliver of people in the United States who have actually served. And so what you did was you joined a small group of people that created a net that protects us, that keeps us free and keeps us safe,” Klinefelt said.
Brig. Gen. Daniel Kramer discussed his experiences with his veteran father, saying he didn’t understand the reason or the impact of his father’s pride in serving in the armed forces until he served himself. Kramer also emphasized respect for both veterans who saw combat and non-combat veterans.
“There’s an enormous amount of respect for those who didn’t serve combat as well, and the reason is this: Our adversaries across the world. They look at the United States and they take pause when they think about taking any action that would upset our government, our military,” Kramer said.
“That’s because, not the thousands that we send forward, but those that are home, training, preparing, giving their all throughout their two-year, four-year or 20-year commitment. They might never go overseas, but just being home and doing that, I guarantee you there’s countries across the globe that look at that, think ‘Uh-uh. I don’t want any of that,’” Kramer said.
State Commander Kimberly Napoleon of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Michigan also encouraged every American to reflect on the cost of freedom to keep the memories, sacrifices and accomplishments of U.S. veterans alive.
“Maintaining the strength, the American idea, requires courage, constant diligence and sacrifice, and it’s important to remember that. And that’s why we have Veterans Day in the first place,” Napoleon said.
Prior to holding a pinning ceremony for veterans of the Vietnam War, Love called out the unique experiences of all veterans, whether they served in combat, in non-combat roles, or in peace time, celebrating veterans of all backgrounds, cultures, eras, branches of service.
“On this day, citizens from across the country have the opportunity to come together to transcend political, social and cultural differences and honor the strength and resilience of United States Armed Forces and the brave individuals they serve,” Love said.
He later emphasized the importance of supporting women veterans and ensuring they access Veterans Affairs Benefits and community resources.
“I’d like to take a moment to speak to the men in the room. It is time we step up for our sister veterans to learn about the challenges and to advocate for them. We need to make space at the table for them, and most importantly, we need to stop assuming women are in the room because they are the spouse of a veteran,” Love said.
“I encourage you to reach out to the women veterans in your life and ask about their service. They have a unique service story, they’re just like us. So take the time to listen and be curious about their service. I promise you will not regret it,” Love said.
After Love presented pins to eight Vietnam veterans, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer offered her gratitude to the nation’s veterans as well as veteran’s advocates, while encouraging veterans to speak up on the support they need.
“We have an obligation to support our veterans every single day. Many are not receiving U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health care, disability compensation, education benefits or other resources, and so it’s our job as the state to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to assure that no one falls through cracks in the system,” Whitmer said.
Love encouraged any veteran unsure of the resources available to them to call 1-800-MICH-VET for more information.
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.