Dear friend,

This Veterans Day, I want to recognize the more than 330,000 veterans who call Colorado home, as well as the more than 40,000 active-duty service members and their families stationed across our state. Thank you.

Our veterans answered the call of duty to uphold the ideals this nation was built upon: that a strong democracy is the greatest force for good in the world. So while we can never fully repay the debt we owe them, we must commit to serving them through our actions – and not just well-worn phrases.

By fully funding and staffing VA offices, hospitals, and clinics and investing in robust mental health care.

By ensuring veterans and their families have access to affordable housing, job training, benefits, and education opportunities as they transition back into civilian life.

By guaranteeing every veteran can fully enjoy the freedoms, benefits, and limitless opportunities they donned the uniform to defend for us all.

It takes extraordinary courage for any person to put the needs of their country above their own. As Colorado's governor, I am committed to making sure veterans can access the support, care, and resources they need – that they earned – to thrive upon completing their service.

That is the sacred contract we make with the brave Americans who've served our country.

With my deepest gratitude, today and every day.

Michael