WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump declared November 2018 the second annual National Veterans and Military Families Month to “salute the brave and dedicated patriots who have worn the uniform of the United States, and…celebrate the extraordinary military families whose selfless service and sacrifice make our military the finest in the world.”

Beginning in 2017, President Trump proclaimed November Veterans and Military Families Month, marking the first time America celebrated veterans and military families for the entire month and not just on Veterans Day, in keeping with the president’s strong focus on improving care and benefits to our nation’s heroes.

That tradition continues again this year with more than 300 events at VA hospitals, benefits offices and cemeteries across the country, including:

senior leader visits to VA facilities

open houses

town halls

benefits claims clinics

volunteer recognitions

homeless Veteran initiative events

suicide prevention events

faith-based community events

flag planting tributes at national cemeteries

This year’s celebration of Veterans and Military Families Month caps an unprecedented period of improvement for VA, as the department has made groundbreaking progress over the last two years in the areas of accountability, transparency and efficiency across the department while enjoying an important series of legislative successes.

“At VA, Veterans and their families are at the center of everything we do. Veterans and Military Families Month is an opportunity for us to honor the service of these patriots while educating communities about VA benefits and services and our commitment to customer service improvement,” VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said.

Director Paul LaGrange stated that the Veterans Day Ceremony will not only honor our veterans, but also will pay respects and remember the 100th Anniversary to the end of World War I.