A Special Veterans Day Message from Governor and First Lady LePage  

AUGUSTA – On Monday, Nov. 11, Mainers and Americans alike will celebrate and honor Veterans for their dedication to service. Today, Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage took the opportunity to send a video message to all Veterans, thanking them for their service and sacrifice.

To view the message click here.

The text of the message is as follows:

Governor: Hello, I’m Governor Paul LePage.

First Lady: And I’m First Lady Ann LePage.

Governor: Our Nation began observing Veterans Day on November 11, 1919 as a day to celebrate and honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

First Lady: But any day is a great day to honor our heroes because freedom is not free any day of the year.

Governor: Maine is home to more veterans per capita compared to any other state with the exception of Alaska*. Our brave men and women, and their families, have shouldered the price, and all too often the ultimate sacrifice is made. 

On behalf of the great State of Maine, we extend our sincere appreciation for your service.

First Lady: We are grateful every day of the year for you, the ones who have answered the call of duty and put your lives on the line to protect our freedoms.

Governor: We would also like to thank the dedicated volunteers who have spent countless hours greeting our troops, supporting their families and ensuring that our veterans are never forgotten.

First Lady: One of those great people is Mr. Galen Cole, so well known for distributing walking sticks to all veterans. Thank you for your commitment to our troops. We are a better Maine because of citizens like you.  

Governor: And I would be remiss if I did not thank my lovely wife. She dedicates countless hours to our military service members and their families.

First Lady: To our active service members, those who have served our country well, and to the fallen heroes we are forever indebted to – I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Governor: Thank you and God Bless.

*In 2010, Maine had a 10.43 percent veteran population. It had an estimated 138,600 veterans and a population of 1,333,074. Source: State veteran counts listed on website of the Department of Veterans Affairs, which are from 2010, and compared to state population tallies in the 2010 Census.