Colleagues,
Tomorrow is Veterans Day. It is a day of reflection and a time set aside across our entire country, and wherever around the world our military personnel are stationed, to express our profound gratitude for the noble service, the exceptional courage, and the extraordinary sacrifice of those who have worn our Nation’s uniform. It is also a day when we recognize and thank the veteran families who have shared in the noble service and great sacrifice.
Members of our military reflect the very best of our country and its enduring commitment to democracy, freedom, safety, and security. We are immensely proud that more than 56,000 veterans carry on their devotion to country as members of our Department of Homeland Security. We are the better and stronger for it. Our military personnel embody American leadership. The Deputy Secretary, John Tien, is a retired U.S. Army Colonel with a military career that spans 24 years, including three combat tours in Iraq. Veterans across our country and around the world help lead our Department and keep our homeland secure.
To all of you who have worn our Nation’s uniform, I express for our entire Department our enduring debt of gratitude for everything you have done, and continue to do, on behalf of the American people. It is an honor and a privilege to serve alongside you and all who give of themselves for our Department and its noble mission.
In recognition of Veterans Day, in tribute to the heroic men and women who have worn our Nation’s uniform and their families, and in thanks for everything you do in service of our country, I am pleased to extend to you an early day today. In coordination with your supervisor, you are granted three (3) hours off at the end of your scheduled workday today. The time should be coded as “66 – Admin/Excused Absence” with a remark of “S1 3 hours.” For those unable to take these three hours today due to overarching mission requirements, please work with your supervisor to schedule the three hours on the next operationally feasible workday.
Thank you again for your selfless dedication to our Nation.