Every Veterans Day, Americans come together to honor the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform. Their service and sacrifice have helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy, and we owe them a debt of gratitude that extends far beyond November 11.

Originally observed as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of fighting in World War I on November 11, 1918, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor Americans who served in all wars. Today, it reminds us of our obligation to recognize every generation of veterans.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 370,000 veterans call Missouri home. They are our neighbors, friends, coworkers and family members. Each deserves our appreciation.

This Veterans Day, I encourage every Missourian to thank a veteran and spread the word about programs available through the State Treasurer’s Office that can benefit veterans and their families.

One particularly meaningful effort involves returning unclaimed military medals to their rightful owners. Our Unclaimed Property Division safeguards medals and insignia recovered from abandoned safe deposit boxes. These medals represent extraordinary service and sacrifice. They are more than military decorations; they are treasured pieces of personal and family history. I encourage everyone to visit ShowMeMoney.com/medals and help reunite these honors with their rightful owners.

Our office also administers MO ABLE, which allows eligible Missourians with disabilities, including veterans, to save and invest for qualified expenses while protecting eligibility for certain government benefits. Recent changes expanded eligibility to individuals whose disabilities began before age 46. Learn more at MOABLE.com.

Missourians can also support veterans through our Unclaimed Property donation program. Individuals claiming unclaimed property may donate all or part of their proceeds to the Veterans Trust Fund, which supports services provided through the Missouri Veterans Commission.

Through these programs, the State Treasurer’s Office offers meaningful ways to recognize and support Missouri veterans and their families. By sharing information about these resources, we can help make a difference in the lives of those who have served our country.

Honoring our veterans should be more than a tradition observed once a year. It should be a commitment we carry forward every day.