Fossum compared the crew of the space station to military personnel, stating that the two groups have many things in common. Both are away from home, working in a hostile environment for the good of their fellow human beings.
"On behalf of our entire crew and a grateful America, we'd like to pay tribute to the thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines for your service across the globe in support of the cause of freedom," Fossum said. "Only through your defense of our great nation can we accomplish our worthy goals."
NASA administrator Charles Bolden also offers a Veteran's Day message to the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States military.
The space agency and the United States military have worked together since the space agency's founding. Many of the first astronauts came from the military, and still today, NASA astronauts and employees are often current or retired military. Bolden, a former space shuttle commmander, is a retired major general of the United States Marine Corp, and Fossum is a retired United States Air Force Reserves colonel.
Click here to view the video messages from NASA.