Reflecting on Service, Sacrifice, and the Legacy of November 11, Arlington National Cemetery. The White House
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | November 2025
Veterans Day 2025 saw a series of proclamations, press releases, and announcements from federal and state leaders, highlighting ongoing efforts to honor and support America’s service members. Federal, state, and agency announcements highlight ongoing support and recognition for veterans
Presidential Proclamation
President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation declaring November 11, 2025, as Veterans Day. The proclamation acknowledges the contributions of U.S. service members to peace and freedom and urges Americans to reflect on their service. Citizens are encouraged to participate in public ceremonies or private acts of gratitude, while federal, state, and local officials are asked to display the U.S. flag and engage in patriotic activities. Notably, this year’s observance marks the nation’s 250th year of independence. (whitehouse.gov)
Congressional Support for Veterans
The U.S. House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee released a statement emphasizing efforts to “keep America’s promise” to veterans. The committee highlighted an amendment to H.R. 5371, the FY26 appropriations bill for Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. The amendment aims to provide full-year funding for veterans’ medical care and benefits, expand counseling and training programs, and fund infrastructure projects including national military cemeteries.
The release noted that full-year funding would prevent veterans from experiencing delays or uncertainty caused by government shutdowns. It also flagged ongoing issues such as closed regional VA benefits offices, delays in burial headstones, and unprocessed pre-need burial applications. (appropriations.house.gov)
Department of Veterans Affairs Updates
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins released a statement on November 10, emphasizing the VA’s mission: “Keeping the promises America has made to its Veterans is the sole purpose of the Department of Veterans Affairs.” The department reported that the backlog of veterans waiting for benefits has decreased by more than 49% since January 20, 2025. Additionally, the VA processed a record three million disability claims by September 30 and opened 20 new health-care clinics nationwide. (news.va.gov)
State-Level Initiatives in Maryland
Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued a press release on Veterans Day announcing $250,000 in state support for veterans affected by the federal government shutdown. The funding will assist four initiatives providing rent, groceries, and household-stability support for veterans and military families. Governor Moore highlighted that one in four veterans in Maryland are federal civilian employees and emphasized a governing philosophy of “Leave No One Behind” in relation to veteran services. (governor.maryland.gov)
Recognition from U.S. Customs and Border Protection
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a national media release on November 10, honoring its veteran workforce and reaffirming its commitment to supporting veteran employees. (cbp.gov)
Nearly one-third of CBP’s workforce are military veterans, and the agency highlighted programs aimed at recruiting and retaining them, including specialized career pathways, mentorship opportunities, and access to veteran-specific resources. In Fiscal Year 2024, CBP’s Veteran Support Program reached more than 1,900 veteran employees and helped 1,151 access critical services. Agency officials emphasized that veterans bring valuable skills, leadership, and dedication to CBP’s mission of safeguarding U.S. borders.
