Today, about 6.1-million veterans live in rural communities – a higher concentration than anywhere else in the country. In the time-honored tradition of standing with those who have served this nation in uniform, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is hosting a number of activities this week to recognize the soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and coastguardsmen who so ably serve. Their selfless and courageous contributions over generations mean that Americans enjoy the freedom and liberty our founders imagined.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says – we can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to the service members who were wounded or died in battle. We can, however, recognize and thank the more than 20-million living American veterans. And we can offer special thanks and acknowledgment to the more than 10-thousand veterans working at USDA.

A Department-wide Veterans Day observance will be held in USDA’s Jefferson Auditorium Thursday, “Honoring All Who Served.” Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan will speak.