John Derossett
Fellow Service Members,
Today, as we observe Veterans Day, I’m reaching out not just as a service member, but as a comrade who has stood side by side with you, sharing the same unwavering commitment, sense of duty, and pride in our mission. Veterans Day is a day that brings us together, uniting us under a shared bond that transcends ranks, branches, or time. Whether you’ve served for a few years or several decades, you are part of a legacy that has shaped history and will continue to do so. This day, above all, belongs to you and to every veteran who has dedicated themselves to the cause of freedom, honor, and sacrifice.
Veterans Day isn’t just a holiday or a day of remembrance. It’s a profound moment to pause, reflect, and honor the journey that each of us has undertaken—a journey that required courage, resilience, and often personal sacrifice. As I look back on my time in service, I am reminded of the many faces and stories that have filled my own path. From boot camp to the front lines, to the missions that demanded our best, and the quieter moments where we simply leaned on each other for strength, those memories are ingrained in my heart and soul. They have become part of who I am, as I know your experiences have shaped each of you.
For those of us who are still actively serving, the responsibilities of duty continue, and each day we carry on with the commitment to protect and defend. But for our veterans—those who have gone before us, whose duty has transitioned from active service to the enduring role of wisdom-bearers—your dedication and legacy have paved the way for all of us who continue to serve. You have shown us what it means to face adversity with courage, to embody resilience in the face of hardship, and to carry a profound respect for the ideals we defend.
In our shared experiences, there are both triumphs and trials. There are days of honor and recognition, and there are days of challenge and loss. Many of us have stood with friends and colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice. We remember them today with profound gratitude and a commitment to honor their memories by living lives worthy of their sacrifice. Their stories, their laughter, their camaraderie live on in our hearts, and their legacies remind us why we serve. They remind us of the high price of freedom, a price that our comrades paid with courage and with a love for this country and for each of us that transcended even the boundaries of life itself.
Today, as you reflect on your own experiences, I encourage you to also take a moment to consider the tremendous strength we gain from each other. The sense of family and support that we build within our ranks is unique. There’s a phrase many of us know well: “I’ve got your six.” This simple promise binds us together in ways that few outside the military can understand. It means that in moments of uncertainty, we know there is someone there for us, someone who understands what we face and who will support us no matter what. It’s a bond that doesn’t end when the uniform is put away, or when active duty concludes. For those of us who have served, it lasts a lifetime.
For our veterans, transitioning back to civilian life can sometimes be challenging. The structure, the purpose, and the community that military service provides are unique, and adjusting to a world outside of it isn’t always easy. If you’re a veteran who has faced these challenges, know that you’re not alone. The skills, discipline, and values you carry are deeply needed in the world. Your service doesn’t end; it simply changes form. Many veterans continue to contribute in their communities as leaders, mentors, and role models, carrying forward the commitment to serve in new and meaningful ways. If you’re in that place today, know that your fellow service members are here for you, just as we were during our active years together.
Veterans Day is also a time to celebrate the diversity within our ranks. We come from different backgrounds, different regions, and even different generations, but together we share a common purpose. This diversity is one of our greatest strengths. It broadens our perspective, strengthens our resolve, and reminds us that our unity is not in our sameness, but in our shared values of honor, courage, and duty. Each of us brings our own story, our own unique experiences, and those stories knit together to create the fabric of our military. As we celebrate this day, let us also celebrate each other—each branch, each role, each sacrifice. We are stronger together.
Today, we are part of a tradition that has endured for generations. Our service and sacrifices are part of a lineage that stretches back to those who first fought to secure our freedom. They faced trials we may never fully comprehend, and they endured hardships with resilience that inspires us even today. Veterans Day is an opportunity to honor not only those we know but also those who came long before us, paving the path of freedom with their own blood, sweat, and tears. It is a powerful reminder that we carry their legacy forward and that each of us is part of a much larger story.
In the spirit of that legacy, let us continue to support one another, to lift each other up, and to reach out to those who may need a reminder that they are valued, that they are remembered, and that they are appreciated. If you know a veteran who could use a word of encouragement or a fellow service member who may be struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. Veterans Day isn’t just about honoring the service of others; it’s about recognizing our ongoing commitment to each other. We are a family, and together, we are strong.
In closing, I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you. Whether you are active duty, retired, a veteran, or a reservist, your service and dedication are honored today and every day. You embody the values that make our country strong, and your contributions will always be remembered and respected. Take pride in all that you have given and all that you continue to give.
As we go forward, let us remain united in our mission to honor each other, to support our fellow service members and veterans, and to live lives worthy of the sacrifices made by so many. Let this Veterans Day be a reminder that each of us has played a vital role in protecting and defending the freedoms we hold dear, and that together, we create a legacy of resilience, courage, and hope.
Thank you for your service, for your sacrifices, and for your enduring commitment to each other and to our nation.
With deepest respect and honor,
