Statement to Employees by Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Mike Hayden on Gratitude for Our Veterans

November 7, 2008

Earlier this week, our democracy was on full display at polling places across America. At CIA, we are ever mindful that the rights we enjoy in that democracy are preserved and passed on by each generation. And we are ever grateful for the service of those who risked and sacrificed all to protect our way of life.

On this Veterans Day, we honor not only America’s men and women in uniform, past and present, but also the thousands of Agency officers who have served beside them in conflicts since the Korean War. In Iraq, Afghanistan, and other places of great danger and consequence, our colleagues today advance a strong tradition of skill and daring. Their work, along with that of all who support them at Headquarters and around the world, makes a decisive difference to our military partners and our nation’s leaders.

America’s safety is hard-won each and every day. No matter where you serve or what you do to accomplish CIA’s mission, the leadership team is grateful for your essential contributions.

Mike Hayden