Saturday, November 11, is Veterans Day—a time to show gratitude for the brave women and men who have served our nation throughout history.

APhA treasures our relationship with federal pharmacists and technicians, particularly those in uniform. Their commitment to serve also often requires great sacrifices for the sake of our country, as they may be deployed and away from their families, often in austere conditions. Yet they continue to care for service men and women who fight to preserve our freedom.

Federal pharmacists and technicians also contribute significantly to public health on humanitarian missions and at home where very recently they are deployed to the areas hit by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria to aid in recovery efforts.

The flagpole that stands in front of APhA’s headquarters in Washington, DC, commemorates the pharmacists who have served in combat all over the world, beginning with the U.S. Revolutionary War, when Andrew Craigie was named the first Apothecary General. The flagpole features four scenes depicting medicines used in times of war. We’re updating the flagpole to recognize the veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and hope to hold a dedication ceremony next Veterans Day, in 2018.

Inside our building is the Federal Pharmacy Conference Room that is dedicated by pharmacists for pharmacists in the service. APhA also hosts the Joint Federal Pharmacy Seminar (JFPS), the largest annual gathering for federal pharmacy, and the Federal Pharmacy Forum in conjunction with the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition.

The delivery of health care in the federal sphere is evolving, with pharmacists and technicians playing an exemplary role in team-based care. These frontline professionals make us proud as they strive daily to care for patients and maintain military readiness for communities in the U.S. and across the globe.

On behalf of all of us here at APhA, THANK YOU to all of those who have served or continue to serve our country.