On Veterans Day we remember them all — soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who stepped forward and answered the call to arms. We remember America’s heroes on Nov. 11, because on that day, at the 11th hour of the 11th month of 1918, the guns of the Great War, the “war to end all wars,” fell silent.

Veterans Day is certainly a special day for those of us in the Department of Veterans Affairs. We are dedicated to serving the needs of the more than 18 million men and women living today who have served in this nation's armed forces. At the VA Butler Health Care System that means providing over 22,000 veterans with exceptional care not just on Veterans Day, but every day.

At VA, we trace our lineage as a department to President Abraham Lincoln’s devotion to veterans, and his steadfast belief that their service must be justly recognized and honored by a grateful nation.

This Veterans Day, we recommit to honoring America’s veterans and renewing our obligation to fulfill President Lincoln’s charge to care for those “who shall have borne the battle” and their families, caregivers and survivors.

On Veterans Day, and all year long, I extend my thanks to our nation’s veterans. May God bless all our veterans, and may he continue to bless our great country.

Sharon Coyle,

director, VA Butler Health Care System