News Release

Washington, DC - U. S. Office of Personnel Management Director, Kay Coles James sent a letter to the heads of all Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) with words of praise and remembrance of America's fallen soldiers this Memorial Day.

"This week, members of the OPM family joined together for a special Armed Forces Day tribute. I was pleased that representatives of the Veterans' Service Organizations joined us to recognize the contributions of the men and women who serve. I was particularly touched by the words of the song On this Day, which was performed by the U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own."

'On this day for now, for always
Make this nation one.
On this day for now, for the fallen
Make this nation one!
On this day, for all the living,
Make this nation one!'

How grateful we are that, as a nation, we have not lost sight of our heritage; that, as in other conflicts requiring sacrifice, we attract to the service of the nation the very best and bravest. Our military professionals - many of them citizen-soldiers - have demonstrated that we are a committed, determined, and generous people willing to bear any burden when it comes to upholding that which we hold dear.

On Memorial Day, the nation will pause at 3:00 PM to honor America's fallen. We give thanks for those who have served yesterday, to those who serve today, and to those who will serve tomorrow. Thank you for the important work you do on their behalf," James wrote in her letter to the VSOs.

James also took time to reaffirm her stanch stance of OPM's support of veterans and veterans' preference. "At a time when the Armed Forces of the United States have been once again called to protect our lives, liberties, and freedoms, OPM is committed more than ever to ensuring that veterans seeking employment in the Federal Government are provided every opportunity to take advantage of the entitlements they have earned. At the Office of Personnel Management, veterans' preference is, and always will be, one of our top priorities."

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.

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