As a tribute to our state’s military veterans, the Tennessee Department of State plans to dedicate the 2009-2010 Tennessee Blue Book to all the Tennesseans who have been killed in combat during the War on Terror.

“Tennessee has long been known for its spirit of volunteerism,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “I think dedicating the Blue Book to the men and women who have given their lives in combat is a fitting tribute to that spirit of volunteerism.”

More than 14,000 Tennesseans are serving in military units involved in the War on Terror, including about 84 percent from the state’s National Guard units.

Through the end of October, 108 Tennesseans have lost their lives during the conflict.

The Blue Book, published every two years, provides a wealth of information about Tennessee state government and history. It is used throughout the state as a reference book by schoolchildren, educators, archivists, journalists, government officials and other citizens. The next edition of the Blue Book is scheduled for release in January 2010.