Dear Fellow Sailors, Marines, Civilians, and our Naval Families:

Of the many blessings our nation has received in over 243 years of existence, one that demonstrates perhaps the most profound providence, is how the American people, of every background and origin, have risen together to prevail when faced with existential dangers. This is the legacy of our Navy and Marine Corps team—a team that over the course of history has assembled from every part of our nation when it was most needed to defend freedom and preserve our republic.

As you gather with your families to give Thanksgiving this year, please accept my sincerest thanks for your dedicated service. I also ask that you think of your shipmates who are deployed and unable to do the same because duty has called them to be away from home this year. For those deployed, know that our thoughts, prayers, and eternal thanks are for you.

Let us also use this Thanksgiving as an opportunity to celebrate our shared memory as a nation, and as one naval family. It is a memory of extraordinary courage and sacrifice that throughout our history forged a common understanding of what is good about this country. Our purpose this day is to elevate above the noise of divisiveness and to be thankful for our unity, to rise above our historical flaws and to be grateful for our demonstrated ability to correct them, and to join together in deep appreciation for the examples of patriotism, bravery, and humility of those who proceeded us in service, and who made this day possible for each of us.

Happy Thanksgiving. Go Navy. And, of course, as always, BEAT ARMY!

                                                                                THOMAS B. MODLY

                                                                                Secretary of the Navy

                                                                                (Acting)