America's freedoms are often taken for granted.
But the unfailing service and sacrifice made by our nation's military personnel, war veterans, and the soldiers who gave their lives in battle remind us that we cannot forget those who have placed themselves in harm's way to defend these freedoms. In the poem Freedom is not Free, author Kelley Strong writes:
I watched the flag pass by one day;
it fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it, and then
he stood at ease.
A simple, yet poignant depiction of what Veterans Day means. The US Marine Corps, whose 250th birthday is today, lives by a core principle that sums up that of the other branches of the armed forces: Semper Fidelis, "always faithful." No matter the risk, no matter the cost, the men and women of our military forces are always faithful to the nation they protect and cherish.
Please join me in honoring, with deep gratitude and respect, the selfless and courageous service of our nation's veterans of foreign wars.
On a separate note, you may have noticed that two important surveys have recently been activated to solicit stakeholder feedback. Please consider completing these brief surveys, which will remain open until December 2:
Strategic Priorities survey. This survey helps to inform potential priorities to be included in the new 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, guiding program development and budgetary decisions during this time frame. The current Strategic Plan is set to expire in June 2026.
Pre-K survey. This survey helps to inform the potential delivery model MSAD 51 will implement in complying with a new state law shifting special education services for children 3 and 4 years of age form the state to local school districts beginning in 2027-28.