Dear Colleagues:

I had the privilege of visiting American troops serving in Kuwait and Baghdad over Thanksgiving weekend, and it was one of the most inspiring experiences I've had as Michigan's governor.  Besides serving turkey dinners to soldiers stationed in Kuwait and dining with troops while visiting Baghdad, I was profoundly humbled by the gratitude expressed by all of these exceptional men and women from all over our great state who are putting their lives on the line serving our country.  I brought home a stack of messages of assurance and love which I had the great pleasure of delivering in phone calls to the soldiers' families.  

When I left for the Middle East, it was my mission to help lift the spirits of our troops serving so far away from home during the holidays.  But the fact is, it was I who had her spirits lifted from the experience.  Regardless of what your sentiments are about the war, these truths are crystal clear: our soldiers take their jobs very seriously, and they believe in this country; they believe in us - their neighbors, families and friends; and they want to make this world a safer place in which to live.  They daily put their lives at risk on behalf of these beliefs.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers each and every day.

You know, our troops aren't the only people in service to their nation and state who will be spending the holidays away from loved ones.  We have, within the ranks of state government, civil servants who will be performing their duties while we are spending the holidays with family and friends.  These are our co-workers who are working our state highways, or on duty at Michigan's correctional, community health, and veterans' facilities, or working behind the scenes to keep our infrastructure running and safe, or in many other situations and locations around the state.  On behalf of your peers and the citizens of Michigan, thank you - thank you all for your dedication to your jobs and to the people of this great state.  And to each and every one of the 55,000+ dedicated public servants who serve the people of Michigan every day - thank you. 

Washington Irving once wrote 'tis "the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, and the genial flame of charity in the heart."  From my family to yours this holiday season, may the light of charity that pierces the dark winter night illuminate our hearts all year 'round.  May God bless you and your families. 

Warm regards,      
Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor