Colleagues,
This year’s theme for Veterans Day is at the very center of military service: honor.
Honor reflects the value and tradition of answering the call to duty, in service of one’s team, our institutions, and the nation. There are 16.5 million American veterans who embody this ethos, but none more so than the 54,000 veterans honorably serving in our Department of Homeland Security. It is an unparalleled privilege to serve alongside our DHS veteran colleagues and witness their inspiring dedication to our mission every day.
Our nation is safer, stronger, and more resilient as a direct result of every exceptional individual who raised their hand and swore the oath to protect our homeland at home and abroad, in times of conflict and in times of peace. To the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coastguardsmen, and Guardians who served this nation with honor, I express our enduring debt of gratitude for everything you have done and continue to do on behalf of the American people.
I hope you will join me in thanking America’s veterans and reflect on our collective commitment to our great nation.
Alejandro N. Mayorkas
Secretary of Homeland Security
With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values.
Source: Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate
