Today, we celebrate and recognize the men and women who served, and continue to serve, our nation with honor and distinction. These patriots are our greatest strength; they represent the best of us, as they have dedicated their lives to the defense of our country, making us a stronger and more resilient nation.
According to the Montgomery County Veterans Services Organization, there are over 30,985 veterans who call Clarksville-Montgomery County home. Right now, some of these veterans continue to serve our community as teachers, doctors, builders, community leaders, first responders, elected officials, and more. They are our brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, our parents and grandparents. They are a treasured part of our community, and they continue to serve by making positive contributions to our City, building stronger futures, and inspiring future generations.
As a community, we must ensure that the service and sacrifice of our veterans are never overlooked or forgotten. As a City, we owe our brave men and women to help them transition into civilian life by creating meaningful employment opportunities. Currently, the City of Clarksville employs more than 300 veterans from all military branches - Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. And with them, they bring a myriad of unique skills and experiences that make them invaluable contributors to our organization and City.
Our veterans have given so much, and while we can never fully repay them for their service and sacrifice, I would like to say, on behalf of the City of Clarksville, thank you for your service, dedication, and courage on this Veterans Day and every day.