MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY Thanksgiving Holiday, 2014 Thanksgiving is a unique American holiday—a time to partake, with family and friends, of this great land’s bounty and to give thanks as a Nation for the many blessings we enjoy as Americans. Among those blessings is the role our military has played for almost two and a half centuries, as both servant and savior of our country—sustaining, protecting, and preserving our national independence, our constitutional order, and our American way of life. We are all indebted to the men and women of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard for answering the call of duty. Their sacrifices humble us, their courage inspires us, and their character enhances our own. As we celebrate this special holiday with our own families, let us also give thanks for those who now serve and those who have served. As VA employees, we are doubly blessed with a noble mission—to care for those who have “borne the battle.” It is our privilege and honor to provide Veterans the care and benefits they so richly deserve. So this Thanksgiving, let us recommit ourselves to our VA values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—and unite to build a Department that each and every Veteran will be proud to call MyVA. To all Veterans and their families, I extend VA’s warmest Thanksgiving greetings and best wishes for the holiday season. And to all VA employees, from Maine to Manila, thank you for all you do, each and every day, to care for our Veterans. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families. Robert A. McDonald
Posted on: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 14:32:14 +0000