Good morning, distinguished guests, fellow service members, veterans, families, and friends. Today, we gather to honor all who have worn the uniform of the United States — those who have stood watch over freedom, borne the weight of duty, and answered the call when our nation needed them most. Veterans Day is a moment of reflection and gratitude — a reminder that freedom is never free. It is earned, preserved, and protected by those willing to serve. But today, I want to draw special attention to a group of Americans whose service often goes unrecognized — the Citizen‑Servicemembers of our nation’s Reserve Components across all uniformed services.

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The phrase “Twice the Citizen” was adopted as the motto of the U.S. Army Reserve. It reflects something profound: service in uniform and service in our communities. Citizen‑Servicemembers are teachers, nurses, engineers, firefighters, EMTs, public servants, scientists, lawyers, students, and neighbors. They wear uniforms on drill weekends, then return to classrooms, hospitals, courtrooms, police precincts, laboratories, offices, and small businesses on Monday morning. This legacy extends beyond the Army Reserve to include: • Army Reserve • Navy Reserve • Marine Corps Reserve • Air Force Reserve • Space Force Reserve (emerging) • Coast Guard Reserve • Army National Guard & Air National Guard • U.S. Public Health Service Ready Reserve Corps.

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And while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps does not have a reserve element, NOAA officers also serve in uniform, safeguarding maritime security, aviation weather intelligence, scientific operations, and national emergency response. Together, they embody the ideal of the Citizen‑Servicemember — answering the call of both community and nation.

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When disasters strike, when our country calls, they go — leaving behind careers and loved ones to defend our nation, support our military, and protect our people. They deploy to conflict zones, respond to pandemics, stand watch during national emergencies, and serve wherever the flag requires. Yet, on this day of remembrance, many of them will stand in the background — not because they served any less, but because the law defines service differently.

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Under Title 38 of the United States Code, “veteran” status is tied to qualifying federal active duty. Many reservists serve for years — even decades — but may never receive a DD‑214, despite honorable service and real‑world deployments, training, and missions. They may not always have VA healthcare. They may not always receive educational benefits. They may not always receive burial honors. And yet — they stand ready. They train. They deploy. They sacrifice. They serve the United States honorably — without certainty of recognition.

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Let me be clear: a form does not define a veteran — service does. A single DD‑214 cannot capture:

• The deployments and late‑night alerts • The missed birthdays, graduations, and milestones • The quiet pride of answering the call • The willingness to stand ready when the nation needs them Every Citizen‑Servicemember who raises their right hand, swears the oath, and trains to defend this nation is a veteran in spirit and in sacrifice. They have given America something priceless — their time, their talent, and their readiness to serve.

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So today, let us widen the circle of recognition. Let us remember the reservist who serves on borrowed time — balancing family, career, and military obligation. Let us honor the Citizen‑Airman, Citizen‑Marine, Citizen‑Sailor, Citizen‑Guardian, Citizen‑Coastguardsman, Citizen‑Soldier, and the officers of the U.S. Public

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Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps, who stand in uniform ready when America calls. They are the connective tissue between our military and the communities we defend — the living embodiment of “Twice the Citizen.”

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On this Veterans Day, let us not only thank those who served on active duty, but also those who serve quietly and faithfully in our reserve formations and uniformed services. When you meet a servicemember this week, ask not whether they have a DD‑214 — ask instead what they have given. The answer will always be the same: Everything they could. To every Citizen‑Servicemember: You are seen.

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You are valued. You are honored. You are Twice the Citizen — once for your community, and once for your country.

 

Thank you. May God bless all who serve, and may God bless the organizers of this Annual Brooklyn Veterans Day Celebration