A VETERANS DAY MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Ever since Armistice Day was declared at the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month of 1919, Americans have paused every November 11 to salute the service and remember the sacrifice of those who have protected and defended our Nation.

Throughout our history, Americans have never faltered.  Whether in epic battles, the names of which are known to many, or in little-known skirmishes, remembered only by those who fought them, men and women of our Armed Forces have pledged themselves to preserve the strength and assure the survival of our Nation.  Time and again, the men and women of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard answered each call to serve and safeguard our way of life. 

Their legacy surrounds us.  It is in our public meeting places, where we gather to celebrate and to speak openly and freely.  It is in our churches, synagogues, and mosques, where we worship freely, as we please and in our own way.  It is in our media, where reporters are free to write and broadcast the truth without fear of reprisal.  And it is in our polling places, where we cast our ballots freely for those whom we choose to have govern this great land.  As a Veteran, I am proud to extend the respect and gratitude of the Department of Veterans Affairs to each and every one of our Nation’s Veterans. 

As the Nation honors its 23 million living Veterans and acknowledges their courage and sacrifice in war and their even greater accomplishments in peace, I want to thank VA’s employees for your unwavering commitment to and compassion for those Veterans.  By your exemplary work at VA facilities all across the country, you fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have “borne the battle.”

I am privileged to serve with all of you.  Together, we are committed to making every day “Veterans Day.”   

Eric K. Shinseki