As America celebrates Veterans Day on Thursday, November 11, 2021, I personally thank everyone, past and present, who has served in our military forces, for their sacrifices, their love of our country and their efforts to protect America’s freedom and our precious democracy.

America’s strength and influence has always been dependent on the strength of our military, the guardians of our allies and friends and a great source of pride for all of us.

I ask every Mississippian and every American to thank each service member you encounter today and always for the sacrifices they made for us.

And when and if possible, please do something nice to brighten the day of our service men and women and continue to support them as they carry out their missions of being America’s guardians, standing ready at a moment’s notice, to defend our country and our freedoms.