Holiday Message from the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs

This past Saturday thousands of volunteers laid wreaths on the graves of America's Veterans as part of Wreaths Across America. They all reminded us through their actions that, to the American people, No Veteran Ever Dies. Each of our fallen heroes lives on in our hearts.

At the National Cemetery Administration, we have so much to be grateful for this year. Thousands of Americans came to our cemeteries in May and again in September as a result of our partnership with Carry The Load. We opened our first National Cemetery in North Dakota at Fargo in September, and in October Los Angeles National Cemetery re-opened to first interments for the first time in 40 years. And once again, for the seventh time in a row, the National Cemetery Administration ranked first among both public and private organizations in terms of customer satisfaction.

As the year draws to a close and you share time with family and friends, please take a moment to say a silent "thank you" to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who guarantee our liberties and security. I know all of us at the National Cemetery Administration are humbled by the opportunity we have to serve these great Americans and their families.

Wishing you a safe and wonderful holiday season. I am

Sincerely,