Thanksgiving is that uniquely American holiday acknowledging our colonial roots.  Vital in that history was the sharing of the harvest by Native Americans, enabling our early settlers to survive those first winters in the New World.  Sharing one’s blessings and giving thanks for the bounties of this great, new land became part of our Thanksgiving celebration.  As our Nation grew, this cherished tradition endured and grew, as well. 

Equally cherished in our Nation’s 234-year history is our military’s role as both servant and savior of the Nation.  It has sustained, protected, and preserved our way of life and the hopes and dreams we hold as Americans. 

We, at VA, are indebted to the men and women of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard for answering the Nation’s call to duty.  We thank them for their service and sacrifice, and we wish them and their families a blessed Thanksgiving celebration.  

We are indebted, as well, to our Nation’s 23 million living Veterans.  They held liberty’s torch high in every conflict during the 20th and 21st centuries.  Their courage and sacrifice inspire us, their character enhances our own, and their sacrifices humble us.

To all of our Veterans and their families, I extend VA’s warmest Thanksgiving greetings.  We are privileged to fulfill the obligation of caring for those “who have borne the battle” on behalf of our grateful Nation. 

To everyone at VA, thank you for caring for our Veterans.  Let us recommit ourselves to advocating on behalf of the men and women, who visit our hospitals, our benefits offices, and the countless other places where we serve Veterans. 

In celebrating Thanksgiving 2009, let us remember the first Thanksgiving’s lessons about sharing and giving thanks, and the men and women who preserved those traditions for us.

      
      
Eric K. Shinseki