Annual theme and events

This year's theme is Proud to be American. In the United States of America, we enjoy certain freedoms and liberties which have been earned and defended many times.

What do we think of when we think of being proud to be an American? We might think of the Fourth of July—picnics, parades, fireworks, patriotic music, and many flags. We think of the freedom to worship as we please, vote in every election, have opinions, and speak freely. 

Our freedoms were written and voted on in the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. 

The Declaration of Independence declares that we are a nation where all men and women are created equal and are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." 

The Constitution of the United States contains seven articles, including 27 amendments and the Bill of Rights. It describes how the new states operate and establishes the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches of government. The Bill of Rights contains the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution and establishes the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today. 

The democracy we live in today is due to these instruments. Our men and women in uniform, with support from home at times, have defended our freedom many times in our country's almost 250 years of existence. 

Our men and women in uniform are ready to serve and protect freedom in the nation we live in and us. Let's recognize and honor them on Veterans Day and every day.