As North Carolinians, we are proud to claim many of our country's servicemen and women, active and retired, as our own. In addition to serving our country and defending the freedoms we hold so dear, they are our neighbors, friends, parents, children, co-workers, and siblings.
Today, and everyday we thank our nation’s veterans for their service, we commemorate their dedication and sacrifice, and we remember those who lost their lives in service to their country. We also send our thoughts and prayers out to those men and women in uniform today defending our country here at home and serving in countries across the globe, often in harm's way.
Our nation’s defenders have endured the pain of being separated from their families and loved ones, the trials of repeated deployments, and the harsh realities of combat. They have done so bravely, quietly and professionally for generation after generation. Veterans Day is more than a day to commemorate the service of America's defenders; it also serves as a reminder of all that we owe them as a nation.
Our mission as citizens is to do all we can to ensure veterans are treated with respect, receive the care and support they deserve, and are again inspired to accomplish great things for the nation in the years to come. God bless America, and God bless her defenders.