Honoring Our Veterans
Veterans Day is a time for every American — and particularly those of us who’ve never served in uniform — to reach out, spend time with, and give thanks to those who have. It’s a day to remember and recognize the people who fought for our nation in times of war, defended us in times of peace, and serve us every single day. For 102 years, this has been a time for reflection — not just on the innumerable ways our Veterans have sacrificed for this nation, but also on all the incredible things about America that those sacrifices have kept safe.
And this year, there is much to reflect on. We marked the 20-year anniversary of 9/11 — a day more than any that reminds us of all that our armed forces protect. We also saw President Biden sign a proclamation declaring November National Veterans and Military Families Month. After all, the burdens of joining our Armed Forces don’t just fall on the Service Member alone. Parents, spouses, siblings, and children may not be physically with their loved one on deployment or as they train, but they still make sacrifices right alongside them. Last but not least, this year marked the passing of some of our nation’s most decorated and celebrated Veterans. Most recently, we said goodbye to General Colin Powell, who embodied the highest ideals of our nation as a military leader, a stateman, a diplomat, and a trailblazer.
As we observe Veterans Day, we honor more than 19 million living Veterans and nearly two million active-duty service members and members of the National Guard and reserve. Roughly 30 percent of the federal workforce has served our nation in uniform, and at OPM, we are working hard to welcome more. We are the guardians of the competitive hiring process, which includes ensuring that agencies are properly applying the Veterans’ preference rules. Much like in our recently expanded Military Spouse Hiring Authority, we recognize the unique leadership qualities on display in military households. We are eager to honor their contributions and match their skills with the needs of the American people.
On Tuesday of this week, I was honored to join OPM’s Veterans Resource Group (VERG) to celebrate Veterans and their families at OPM’s headquarters in Washington, DC. Thanks to VERG’s leadership, I will also be laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery on December 7th to commemorate 80 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor. I am grateful for their efforts to not only represent Veterans who work at OPM, but also ensure all Veterans and their families who continue their service in our Federal Workforce are recognized and continue to share military comradery.
So today, and every day, I join the Federal workforce and the American people in giving thanks for all that Veterans and their families have given for our country. As we honor those sacrifices, I wish you all a safe and reflective Veterans Day.
-Kiran Ahuja, Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management
