Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we recognize and pay tribute to our nation's veterans this week, I am mindful of my many family members who have served – or are still serving – in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's a big part of my family history and a great source of pride. My sister, retired from the Navy, says it's in our DNA.

It's also in San Diego's DNA. Our region is home to the largest concentration of military personnel in the United States. More than 240,000 veterans live in San Diego. The military is an important driver of our local economy.

For these reasons, Veterans Day is no ordinary holiday for me, and why I look forward to participating in San Diego's Veterans Day festivities. This year, on Saturday, November 11^th, I will participate in the 31^st Annual San Diego Veterans Day Parade – "A Tribute to Heroes at Home" – along Harbor Drive. The parade begins at 11 a.m.

We celebrate our military veterans for answering our nation's call. It is our civic duty to honor those who have returned to their families and communities; to honor and help heal those who have been wounded; and to forever honor the memories of those who perished while serving our country.

I also consider it a privilege, an honor, and my duty as your elected representative to prioritize veterans issues in my legislative agenda, to make sure that the state of California is doing everything it can to provide housing for veterans who are struggling and connect all veterans with the wide range of services and benefits to which they are entitled and deserving.

I hope you'll join my family and me in paying tribute to our nation's heroes this Veterans Day.

Warmly,

Toni Atkins Senator, 39th District