National Security Leaders for America President Rear Admiral Mike Smith Raises Concerns About Treatment of Veterans in Remarks at Unite for Veterans Rally in Washington, DC

June 6, 2025

Washington, DC, Rear Admiral Mike Smith (Ret), President and Founder of National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A), delivered remarks at the Unite for Veterans Rally held today in Washington, DC. Held on the 81st anniversary of D-Day, the event brought together leaders, advocates, and veterans from across the country to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to those who have served.

In his prepared speech, Smith draws from personal and professional experience to issue a sharp warning about the growing efforts to dismantle veteran support systems and politicize civil service positions held by veterans, stating:

“When a nation breaks its promises to its veterans, it does more than betray its values—it weakens its security… The strength of our future force depends on the credibility of our past commitments.”

Speaking as the son of a Vietnam veteran and a leader representing over 1,300 bipartisan national security professionals, Smith’s comments connect historical failures after Korea and Vietnam to modern threats:

“We’re hearing of proposals to dismantle the VA, to fire thousands of veterans in civil service… If together we can’t stop this now, we risk repeating the very mistakes we swore never to make again.”

Smith’s remarks conclude with a powerful reminder that honoring veterans is not only a moral imperative but a national security necessity:

“A nation that keeps its promises will always have patriots willing to serve. A nation that forgets… may one day find no one answering the call.”

A transcript of his full remarks is available by clicking the button below.