Veterans Day Message from Mission: Readiness

A message from Acting National Director Jamie Lockhart and the Mission: Readiness Team:

I am proud to be a member of my local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) chapter, the Freedom Hill Chapter in McLean, VA. We undertake numerous projects to preserve history, foster patriotism, and promote education in our area.

A few weeks ago, I joined some of my DAR sisters at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to greet dozens of World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam Veterans traveling to Washington as part of the Honor Flight Program. As you probably know, the program was created in 2005 to help World War II veterans travel to see the World War II Memorial. The program has since expanded to enable other veterans to visit the memorials on our National Mall.

Over the course of the morning, I had the privilege of greeting veterans from Florida and Indiana and witnessing how moved they were that so many people showed up to welcome them. Servicemembers in uniform from each service branch shook the veterans’ hands as they departed the plane. A university pep band played patriotic tunes, and volunteers lined up with cowbells and signs to celebrate each veteran’s arrival in our Nation’s capital.

One theme stuck with me after visiting with these veterans, and discussing their stories of military service and return to civilian life. Every servicemember has been shaped by the sacrifices they made, the challenges they faced, and their commitment to the United States. And our country has been shaped by the energy, perspective, and can-do spirit of servicemembers who have come home to strengthen our communities. Veterans have challenged all civilians to–borrowing an Army slogan–be all that they can be.

On this Veterans Day, our team honors all who have served. We also recommit to working with our extraordinary members to help them continue this important tradition. America, and our next generation, will be better for it.

Happy Veterans Day!