Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed this month as Veterans and Military Families Month to honor veterans and military families throughout Michigan by recognizing their sacrifices and celebrating their successes.

“This month, we thank Michigan’s brave service members and veterans for their service and sacrifices to keep us safe and secure our freedoms,” Whitmer said in a statement. “We also recognize the families of service members for supporting their moms or dads, aunts and uncles, brothers or sisters, sons or daughters while on deployment. We owe those who serve and their families our gratitude and we pledge ourselves to work together to help them thrive.”

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, also weighed in on the significance of their efforts.

“The dedication and strength of military families during rotational deployments and long separations is an inspiration to us all,” Rogers said in a statement. “Michigan understands that families also serve and is honored to pay tribute to them.”

Of course, it’s honorable to note military families’ dedication. However, are there tangible ways to honor them?

Yes, there are.

One of the best ways to show support for the military is to donate to a charity that supports them. The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs accepts donations to help support military families with grants that fund financial assistance. Visit the Military Family Relief Fund donate page at www.michigan.gov/dmva/military-family-relief-fund-donate for details.

Michigan Veteran Homes also seeks monetary donations to support the life enrichment fund, which is used to improve the quality of life for veteran members.

To donate, visit www.thepayplace.com/mi/mva/donations/billpreview.aspx.

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency accepts donations to help connect veterans to the services and benefits they have earned at www.thepayplace.com/mi/mva/donations2/billpreview.aspx.

According to the DMVA, every penny goes to the Charitable Support Fund to help the department’s life enrichment staff nurture programs for residents, such as those relating to the arts, entertainment, education and other areas.

Michigan is home to more than 550,000 veterans and their families, MVAA Director Zaneta Adams said.

“Michigan’s veterans are brave and selfless individuals who, when duty called, willingly put themselves in harm’s way to defend the lives and liberty of others,” Adams pointed out in a statement.

Being in harm’s way by accident is dangerous enough, but to do so on purpose and for such a noble cause deserves our eternal gratitude.

Of course, veterans and their families need the public’s support throughout the year, not just November.

To learn more about employment, health care, education and quality-of-life benefits, veterans can contact the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 1-800-MICH-VET or visit www.michigan.gov/MVAA.