President Joe Biden recently joined the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to recognize 20 years of progress "securing the homeland." 

According to a news release, President George W. Bush signed the Homeland Security Act of 2002, establishing the DHS in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. 

The goal of the 22 agencies that came together, March 1, 2003, was to protect the American people. DHS's mandate includes terrorism prevention, law enforcement, border and maritime security, immigration services, transportation security, emergency response and recovery, protective services and cybersecurity. It is the third-youngest, but largest Cabinet department.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | DHS

“Today we are more fit for purpose than at any point in the history of the department, as we face the threats of today and plan for the threats of tomorrow," DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said. "The DHS workforce is made up of heroic public servants who make meaningful contributions to the safety and security of their communities each and every day. 

"This dedication is at the core of all we do and all we have accomplished," he added. "It is the honor of my life to lead this department and to champion the extraordinary people who will continue to deliver on our mission for years to come.”

To commemorate the workforce and acknowledge the 32,000 people, who joined DHS on its opening day and are still working for the department, DHS organized the special ceremony at the DHS headquarters on the St. Elizabeths Campus in Washington, D.C. 

Former President Bush and former DHS Secretary Tom Ridge also spoke at the event.