Honoring Our Nation's Veterans

This year includes many moments to pause and remember. Two months ago we commemorated the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by opening the Memorial, and next month we'll observe the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. This Veterans Day, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum recognizes all those who have served our country and the tremendous sacrifices made by them and their families.

Since the 9/11 Memorial opened two months ago, we have welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world; however, few have been as important as the active military and military veterans who have come to pay their respects. Among many others, we have been honored to welcome the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army General Martin Dempsey; Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Dakota Meyer; NATO  Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis; six U.S. Navy Sailors of the Year; and groups from the Pat Tillman Foundation and Wounded Warriors.

Veterans Day is a reminder of the remarkable dedication and sacrifice made by the men and women who serve our country. Today our thoughts turn to those who have served, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, those who have been wounded defending our country, and the soldiers now stationed around the world who are protecting us.

During this year of commemoration, as we come together to honor and remember, please join me in taking time to recognize the heroes who have had the unwavering courage to selflessly defend our freedom.

By Joe Daniels, 9/11 Memorial President