Honoring our veterans

Tonight, at the University of Massachusetts Boston’s annual Veterans Day dinner and reception, I will join more than 100 students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members in recognizing the service and sacrifices of our country’s veterans and active Armed Forces members.

Since 2005, the student veteran population at this university has nearly tripled – from 228 to more than 600. As military operations in Iraq come to an end and more veterans return home, we will continue to make our campus a welcoming place for former servicemen and -women to pursue their education.

The theme of tonight’s event is “Welcome Home.” I can’t think of a more heartfelt or relevant message for our troops, who have endured much and deserve all the support and services we can provide.

I wish you a safe and meaningful Veterans Day holiday.