Many of our schools have been hard at work preparing Veterans Day celebrations that honor the men and women who have served our nation.

These meaningful, patriotic displays show our veterans that we remember their sacrifice, unite our communities, and teach our students valuable lessons about what it means to be an American.

Veterans Day is a reminder to all of us of the true meaning of service and sacrifice…putting others first and standing up for ideals that are bigger than any one individual…such as liberty, opportunity, and civic duty…no matter the cost.

It reminds us of the importance of giving back…whether that's through volunteering, putting together care packages, or even a simple, yet sincere, thank you.

And it also reminds us of our civic responsibility…the ability we each have to make a difference and to leave our communities, our state, and our nation better than we found it.

This year, we are once again recognizing Indiana schools for their significant display of commitment to students and families connected to our nation's military. This year's Indiana Purple Star Schools were selected in collaboration with the Indiana National Guard and include nearly 100 schools that have been newly-designated or have renewed their designation. A full list is available here.

At our Purple Star Schools, honoring and celebrating our service members and military-connected families is a part of their culture. In doing so, our schools are making life a little easier for those who give so much and instilling in our students a deep sense of appreciation and civic pride.

Thank you to our school leaders and educators across Indiana for the role you play in bringing communities together to honor our veterans and supporting our military families throughout the year. And to our veterans, whose courage and selflessness has shaped our nation, thank YOU.