They are the embodiment of sacrifice, service and duty—staff from NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries who once were members of the eight uniformed services of the U.S. government. Today, they continue to serve as civilians committed to conserving and protecting special places in the ocean and Great Lakes.

In celebration of Veterans’ Day, we’d like to express our gratitude and appreciation for America’s veterans and our colleagues who have made service a guiding principle in their lives. Their examples of service, duty, and commitment inspire us every day. Together, they help make the ocean a better place.