Statement from Governor David A. Paterson

ALBANY, NY (11/11/2010)(readMedia)-- "The inalienable and fundamental rights that are the core of the American way of life are not free. They are paid for today as they have always been – by the selfless courage of sons and daughters willing to give of themselves to defend this noble experiment, a free and democratic United States.

"Today, it is my profound honor, on behalf of all New Yorkers, to offer a humble and heart-felt 'thank you' to our State's nearly one million veterans - and to the thousands of New Yorkers on active duty around the world.

"Our veterans are willing to go wherever duty calls in order to protect our lives and liberty. In return, we must commit ourselves to ensuring that when they return home, our veterans have access to the benefits and services they so rightly deserve. We must create opportunities for education and employment to help ease the transition back into civilian life. And above all, we must not allow ourselves to ever forget or take for granted the sacrifices made by our noble men and women in uniform.

"Veterans are our faithful defenders, and the guardians of our nation's past, present and future. Today, and all days, we honor the veterans who have returned to us, longingly miss those who are still deployed and sorrowfully mourn those who laid down their lives so that we might live as a free and secure people."

For more information about the benefits and services available to our veterans and their families, please contact the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs at: www.veterans.ny.gov; or call, toll free, 1-888-VETS-NYS (838-7697).

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