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To our nation’s Veterans, those who have worn our country’s uniforms and who have fought and served to make our freedoms and way of life possible, we owe you a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.
President Biden often speaks of this - our nation’s one truly sacred obligation: to prepare and equip the troops we send into harm’s way, and to care for them and their families when they return home. The second part of that obligation - caring for Veterans when they return home - is our primary mission at Veterans Affairs (VA). It’s our responsibility to serve Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors as well as they’ve served us, as well as they’ve served our country, not just on Veterans Day but every day.
It is with great pride and gratitude that we take the time to honor and celebrate the brave individuals who have served and continue to serve our country. This day is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our Veterans, and we must express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation.
In countless ceremonies and events across the country, Americans are honoring our Veterans - patriots who, since the war for our independence, have stood watch over and defended our liberty. The sacrifices of our armed forces have given us the security and freedom in which to grow and flourish as a nation - in law, human rights, business and economics, science, technology, education, and the arts. They have enabled the United States to stand as an example of hope and freedom to others, across the world, drawing millions to our shores.
At San Francisco VA Health Care System we help the nation repay its debt to those who served, we strive to keep our covenant with Veterans, every day, and we seek to build trust constantly and consistently between us and Veterans. We help mend the body and the spirit of Veterans - those who fought our battles and those who served in times of restless peace between wars. We assist families as they go on after the loss of loved ones. At hundreds of VA hospitals, outpatient clinics, Vet Centers, telehealth sites, and benefits offices, we work with compassion and respect, putting our Veterans first. A grateful nation expects nothing less from us. We do this because we recognize a basic truth—the deeds of the American Veteran bind us to our noble past, strengthen us in the difficult present, and inspire us to meet future challenges we may face as a nation.
As we commemorate this day, let’s reflect on the principles of honor, courage, and sacrifice that our Veterans personify. Their resilience and sense of duty are the epitome of patriotism and an example for us all to follow.
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