 On behalf of the Commission, I want to acknowledge this Veterans Day, a time for honoring those who served in the United States Armed Forces to defend our nation and safeguard the principles and ideals of our Republic during times of both war and peace. The national theme for this Veterans Day is service. As we recognize and honor those who faithfully served our nation, it's important to reflect upon the nature of military service and its realities. While we sometimes conjure up patriotic images of medals, parades, and well-polished shoes, the truth remains that military service is more typically measured in increments of personal sacrifice. Peace time service often demands long separations and regular transfers and reassignments that can mean never putting down roots in a community before it's time to move again. In wartime, these strains are amplified by the stresses of long deployments, the worry about loved ones, and the sometimes coming home different than how you'd left. This Veterans Day, join us in demonstrating our appreciation for the sacrifices and achievements of our service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.