2016 Veterans Day Message

Americans annually observe the 11^th of November as Veterans Day, setting aside this time to show our appreciation to everyone who ever enlisted in our armed forces: Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Guardsmen.

Whenever and however you served, November 11 is for you.

While Veterans Day only began in 1954, our appreciation for veterans began much earlier, going back to the very beginning of our country and the reverence we still hold for those who put their lives on the line to create this great nation.

From those first fighters to the men and women serving in uniform across the globe today, we salute the spirit of the American service member. We honor the sacrifices of those who fulfilled their obligations and now proudly call themselves American Veterans.

After 240 years, America still stands because veterans stood the watch.

Although Veterans Day is just one day, it is an important day; a day to speak up for those who put their lives on the line for their fellow Americans; a day to remember and renew our commitments to these brave men and women.

Those of us who work on behalf of veterans year-round appreciate the support of our communities on November 11, but on November 12 our mission will remain.

We urge our lawmakers to do more to honor our obligations, to ensure that everyone who served has access to quality veterans benefits.

The Georgia Department of Veterans Service exists to help fulfill those obligations, and we will do so with honor and integrity today and every day after.

To my fellow veterans, thank you. God bless you, and may Veterans Day and every day bring you joy in the freedoms our country has because of your sacrifices.