On this Veterans Day, we honor and remember the men and women who have worn the uniform of our great nation. Americans who stepped forward and swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution and laws against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Veterans Day is an important day. It is a day to speak up for those who put their lives on the line for their fellow Americans – a day to remember and renew our commitments to these brave men and women. We use this day to show our appreciation for our armed forces, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Guardsmen.

Today, more than 20 million veterans are home in America. They are our neighbors, friends, families, and loved ones. Far too many have suffered the shock and pain of combat. Some have become disabled for life; many have made the ultimate sacrifice. All who served have given up some of the best years of their lives. We must never forget their service and sacrifice.

We also thank our future veterans, serving at home and abroad. To those serving around the world today or transitioning out of the military, we are here for you.

We salute the spirit of the American service member and we honor the sacrifices of those who fulfilled their obligations and now proudly call themselves American veterans.

One impressive example of such courage and sacrifice from within our own ranks at the Blinded Veterans Association is Monaca Gilmore, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom who experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury from an Improvised Explosive Device that eventually robbed her of her sight.

Monaca now passionately serves BVA in two vitally important leadership capacities, one of which focuses on reaching out to her fellow women veterans with vision loss. Please click here to learn more about Monaca’s pioneering work with the BVA Women’s Veteran Group.

To my fellow veterans everywhere, thank you. May God bless you and may Veterans Day and every day bring you joy in the freedoms you have helped preserve through your noble sacrifices.

Donald D. Overton, Jr.
Executive Director
Blinded Veterans Association