As the country celebrates Veterans Day, the nation’s Governors mark the occasion by issuing proclamations and holding ceremonies to recognize the military service of America’s veterans.
Throughout 2025, Governors have advanced a wide range of initiatives to honor and support veterans including strengthening state programs that promote workforce development, expanding access to health care and mental health services, and improving pathways for veterans to transition successfully into civilian life.
Here are just a few examples of the work Governors do in support of our nation’s veterans.
Governor Kevin Stitt
OklahomaAlabama
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced the appointment of 11 distinguished leaders to the Alabama Veterans Resource Center Board, a new initiative designed to develop a statewide, sustainable hub dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. The center will provide job training and workforce assistance, aid in benefits navigation, support with family and legal needs and build peer and social connections in the veteran community. “During this past legislative session, I made it a top priority to strengthen our support for Alabama’s veterans and establishing the Veterans Resource Center was a key part of that effort,” said Governor Ivey.
Connecticut
Governor Ned Lamont announced additional temporary supportive housing for veterans and their families has been added to the main campus of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs as part of the first phase of a multi-phase expansion of the state’s Patriots Landing program. The program makes temporary housing available for veterans and their families who are in need of this support and connects them with the services needed to successfully transition to community living. “The growth of this program and the number of housing units underscores the state’s unwavering commitment to supporting our veterans and their families,”Governor Lamont said. “Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices for our country, and it is our duty to ensure they receive the support and care they deserve.” During the March recognition of Women’s History Month, Governor Lamont also held a ceremony to celebrate a group of outstanding veterans from Connecticut, including Corporal Dorothy “Dottie” Dee, a 102-year-old WWII Marine Veteran.
Illinois
Last month, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker joined local, state, and community leaders to celebrate the grand opening of a new Illinois Veterans’ Home at Quincy — a nearly $300 million investment delivering modern, safe, and dignified living for Illinois veterans. Funded through the Governor’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, the project includes a 260,000-square-foot long-term care facility and an 80,000-square-foot independent living residence designed to meet veterans’ needs for generations to come. The Governor shared, “This was one of the largest and most important projects in our Rebuild Illinois capital construction program. I’m so proud to see that promise in action — and make clear to our veterans that our state is on your side.”
Montana
Last month, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte held a ceremony at the State Capitol in Helena to honor the remaining recipients of the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation.
The award recognizes veterans who have selflessly served in uniform and made positive impacts in their communities. Since 2021, more than 170 veterans have received the honor. This year, as Governor Gianforte traveled the state on his 56 County Tour, he held ceremonies in communities across Montana to honor 51 recipients of the 2024 award. “When I served you in Congress, I was proud to start this tradition of recognizing outstanding Montana veterans, and as Governor, I’ve been thrilled to have continued this tradition for the past four years,” Governor Gianforte said.
Pennsylvania
This summer, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro helped officially opened the Lickdale Veterans’ Outreach Center, the first center is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania. The center includes state-of-the-art conference rooms, private meeting areas, and training spaces for advocacy groups and service organizations.
“Our veterans have sacrificed for us, serving our nation to defend our freedoms — and they deserve a Commonwealth that cares for and invests in them,” Governor Shapiro said. “We owe our veterans more than just our gratitude — we owe them real support and that’s why my Administration is making it easier than ever for veterans and their families to access the care, benefits, and services they’ve earned.”
Utah
In March, Utah Governor Spencer Cox welcomed Vietnam veterans to the Utah State Capitol Rotunda to observe Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day and mark the 50th anniversary of the official end of the Vietnam War. During remarks delivered at the event, Governor Cox shared “his admiration for his uncle Sam, a Vietnam veteran” and “encouraged veterans to record their wartime experiences, highlighting the lasting impact of the conflict on their lives.” The 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War was also commemorated by the Utah Legislature with an official citation honoring Vietnam War Veterans.
NGA would like to recognize current Governors who have served our nation in the armed forces:
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis,
- Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry,
- Maryland Governor Wes Moore,
- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz,
- Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, and
- South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.
