English: Release Date: March 1, 2018

Today is the 15 Year Anniversary of the Beginning of the Department WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognized the 15 year anniversary of the start of its mission with a celebration event at the Ronald Reagan Building. Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen was joined by Vice President Mike Pence and former Secretaries Tom Ridge, Michael Chertoff, and John Kelly, as well as past and present DHS employees and leadership. The event was an opportunity to celebrate the momentous anniversary and recommit to DHS’s mission to safeguard the American people. Secretary Nielsen delivered remarks regarding what the Department is doing to combat the persistent and evolving threats facing our country. She also participated in a panel discussion with the former secretaries in attendance regarding how DHS has evolved since 2003. Additionally, she recognized employees from all of the DHS components.

“Today, DHS is on a strong and steady course,” Secretary Nielsen said during her keynote address. “Our workforce is empowered, committed, and proud to serve. And we are working hard to fulfill President Trump’s commitment to make America safe and secure.”