Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native person to lead the Department of the Interior, delivers a video message on Veterans Day.

In the video, Haaland notes that both of her parents served in the military. Her late father was a U.S. Marine who fought in the Vietnam War. Her mother Mary Toya, who passed away last months served in the U.S. Navy.

“My parents taught me what service to our country means and how we all have a responsibility to honor our veterans every day, not just on days like Veterans Day,” Haaland says in the video, which was posted on November 10, 2021.

“I want to personally thank all the veterans who have chosen to bring their commitment to service and leadership skills to work at the Department of the Interior,” adds Haaland, who is a citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna. Her late mother was also from the Pueblo of Jemez.

“Please take a moment to acknowledge the sacrifices our veterans and their families make so that we can live freely in the country we love,” Haaland continues.

“To our servicemembers who are defending our country right now, thank you,” Haaland concludes. “Thank you for everything you do, and thank you also to your families who serve alongside you.”

Every day we have a responsibility to honor our veterans. On this Veterans Day, I’d like to personally thank those who have served, the veterans who have chosen to bring their commitment to service to @Interior, and the families who support them. pic.twitter.com/gH6xbvDKEf

— Secretary Deb Haaland (@SecDebHaaland) November 11, 2021