Feb 19, 2021
I want to sincerely thank all of our members for the hard work and commitment to service you have exhibited over the past year. In the face of 12 months of extreme adversity marked by a devastating pandemic and civil unrest across the country, you have risen above and remained focused on ensuring the needs of our veterans, service members and our communities are met.
We must continue to press forward, together. We must not let up.
In his first message as Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Honorable Denis McDonough spoke directly to our veterans saying, “This administration will work with other federal departments and agencies, with veterans service organizations … who have the best interests of veterans and their families at heart. We must work together to serve all veterans.” I believe his sincerity and stand in solidarity with this statement.
While we have all worked differently to navigate the challenges of the past year, our collective successes throughout this ever-trying time in our history are attributed directly to our ability to remain united by what we have in common, and as I recently stated in my State of the VFW address, I have never been more proud to be a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Across America and around the world, your service has continued at every echelon and many of you have become leaders, not only within our organization, but in your communities as well.
Please continue in this spirit and know you are making a positive impact in the lives of so many.
As Secretary McDonough stated so succinctly, “We can achieve our mission only by embracing the incredible diversity that defines our veteran population and all of America, leveraging everyone’s talents and passions.”
Continue to rise above the societal attempts at division. Continue to focus on the mission ahead. Continue to treat others with the dignity, respect and kindness they deserve.
Continue to unite as veterans.
Read VA Secretary McDonough’s full message to veterans here: https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/84509/message-va-secretary-denis-mcdonough/.