McRae: Honoring Our Heroes
By Treasurer David McRae
Each year on November 11, Americans pause to honor the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform. For most of Mississippi, this is more than a simple banking holiday. It’s a stark reminder that our freedom was bought at a price, paid by those willing to serve something larger than themselves.
Of course, gratitude for our veterans shouldn’t be reserved for only one day a year. But this particular day has been preserved for a reason.
Last week, I had the privilege of speaking to a group of high school students about why November 11 was chosen as Veterans Day. It dates back to the end of World War I, which concluded in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
A year later, Americans marked that moment with what was then called Armistice Day, a day set aside to honor those who served in what many hoped would be “the war to end all wars.” Sadly, history had other plans. World War II and the Korean War followed soon after.
By 1954, the holiday’s name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all who have served – past and present.
Here in Mississippi, more than 180,000 veterans and active-duty service members call our state home. They come from every corner of Mississippi – from rural communities and small towns to our largest cities. Each has missed birthdays, holidays, and milestones so that the rest of us might live freely and safely. And behind each one stands a family who has sacrificed alongside them. To those families, we also say thank you.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “A nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.” That sentiment remains as true today as it was more than a century ago. Our veterans are living reminders of courage, character, and commitment, the values that keep our nation strong.
So, this Veterans Day, let’s do more than say “thank you.” Let’s show our gratitude by volunteering, by supporting military families, and by teaching the next generation to honor those who protect our freedoms.
To every veteran and every family who has served this country: thank you. Mississippi and America are forever in your debt.
Mississippi Treasurer David McRae is the 55th Treasurer for the State of Mississippi. In this role, he helps manage the state’s cash flow, oversees College and Career Savings Mississippi, and has returned more than $140 million in unclaimed money to Mississippians. For more information, visit Treasury.MS.gov.
