National Veterans and Military Families Month was first declared in November 2016. Every year since then, November has become a time to acknowledge the sacrifices that veterans and military families make. Our patriots answer the call to defend our nation, often facing danger and uncertainty with unparalleled bravery and resilience. These heroes have always relied on their families for support, and military families endure separation from their loved ones as well as changes to their living situations. The veterans of the United States and their military families have always been a beacon of courage and strength.

October 27 marks three years since the Tree of Life mass shooting. On this day, 11 worshippers were murdered at the Tree of Life synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. This anti-Semitic hate crime happened just a few blocks from where I grew up. Squirrel Hill is a peaceful, welcoming community full of wonderful people.