On this 14th anniversary of September 11, 2001, Secretary Bob McDonald shared the following message of remembrance with VA employees.


Fourteen years ago and without hesitation, the courageous men and women of the United States military answered our nation’s highest calling to defend this country. In the years that followed, they were joined by thousands more who volunteered to serve during this time of war—selflessly offering their own lives to preserve the liberty their forebears fought and died for.

On this anniversary of September 11, 2001, we remember fellow citizens and first responders who perished that day, and their families. Let’s keep in our thoughts Servicemembers and their families who continue to sacrifice today. And I encourage every employee to pause and reverently reflect on our post-9/11 Veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much.

Inspired by the examples of duty, honor, courage and the sacrifice of many generations of Veterans before them, today’s generation of heroes has kept us free during this longest armed conflict in our nation’s history.

A third of our 350,000 employees served the nation in uniform. Many are Veterans of our most recent conflicts. So reach out to all of them, your colleagues, and thank them for their service and what they do for Veterans every day.

At VA, we serve heroes. Caring for those who have “borne the battle” and for their families and survivors is our mission, and we honor those lost through the way we care for those who came home.

Thank you for all that you do for Veterans. God bless our Veterans, all of you and your families, and the United States of America.

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