Americans embrace and aspire to live up to our great national vision found in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Since 1776, Americans have been called on to safeguard these principles through their selfless service in uniform.

Each year, Veterans Day is set aside for us to pause and reflect, to recall and recognize, and to honor and celebrate the service and sacrifices of those who, for 243 years now, have shouldered the challenge and responsibility of defending freedom.

Today, less than one percent of our population bears the responsibility of our national defense, and under six percent of all Americans living today have worn our Nation’s uniforms. Those of us at the Department of Veterans Affairs are dedicated to serving Veterans of every generation with commitment, respect, and advocacy equal to their service and sacrifice.

On Veterans Day 2019, the Department of Veterans Affairs honors the service and sacrifice of the men and women who serve today at duty stations around the globe, and who have served in years past with the same unwavering commitment to protect all that we hold dear. This is our noble mission, and we consider it a sacred duty.

The entire month of November is a time to celebrate Veterans and military families for their contributions to our Nation. On behalf of President Trump and the American people, it is our privilege to help serve all of those who have served us in uniform and their family members who supported them.

God bless those who have served and their families, and may He continue to bless our great Nation.

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5 Comments

  1. CJ Concrete December 3, 2019 at 21:33

    As a Veteran, I appreciate this concrete message. It is hard to believe less than 6% of the living U.S. population has served. I know several veterans in Dallas Ft. Worth. It was privilege to serve and I salute my brothers and sisters in arms.

  2. Evan Zavicar November 11, 2019 at 14:01

    Saluting our brave men and women on this Veteran’s Day 2019!

  3. Donald J Lynch November 9, 2019 at 13:57

    All Veterans should be entitled to dental care including implants. Anything less is a slap in the face to the Veteran. This would reduce heart attacks and strokes.Any doctor knows this and has remarked about it. Clinics should have a better quality of doctors instead of the off shore ones in the clinics now.I belong to 7 veteran orgs and do fund raisers to support veterans. I take veterans to the grocery store and doctor appointments at my cost. I served in the Navy and the Army.Praise God for the magnificent military we have stationed around the world.May God protect them as they protect us and bring them home safely after their tour of duty.

  4. Russ Allyson November 9, 2019 at 08:31

    Why would you not show the 5th branch (US Coast Guard) at the table when honoring our Veterans?
    As a US Coast Guard Combat Veteran serving in Vietnam, I am very disappointed.

  5. Joey Fuentez Jr. November 9, 2019 at 00:35

    Honorable Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Sir. Robert L Wilkie
    Sir,I just finish reading your Veterans day message and being a U.S.Navy Veteran Class of ” 55 ” I thank and salute you for same. In the past those who were giving the honor of being the Secretary of Veterans Affairs some were good,others spoke a good game but never were part of the ” Team ” Don’t get me wrong, Having come up thru the ranks in both the public and private sector. i know to well your job and the responsibly s that it warrants. It’s Hugh ! But I found that something in your message that come from your heart and that what it will take for you and your “team” to make the different s to us ,your veterans.
    When I visit the Loma Linda, CA.VA hospital and see all of my “BROTHERS ‘” with their scares of war , I know that I was one of the lucky who came home all in one piece.
    I wish you well in your endeavor and GOD SPEED, Sir, Secretary.
    Joey
    .

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