On Monday, the United Nations and many countries across the globe recognized World Refugee Day, honoring the contributions of forcibly displaced people throughout the world. Governments, communities, and leaders called attention to the ongoing refugee crisis, and many resolved to take a larger role in helping those in desperate need.

In a statement President Obama highlighted that the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees just reported that more people are displaced than at any time on record—over 65 million. In face of this unprecedented challenge, the president restated his commitment to convene a summit on refugees at the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in September, but urged governments not to wait to increase their aid contributions and to provide more resettlement opportunities in their own countries.

The president also praised the countless Americans doing their part: “Protecting and assisting refugees is a part of our history as a nation, and we will continue to alleviate the suffering of refugees abroad, and to welcome them here at home, because doing so reflects our American values and our noblest traditions as a nation, enriches our society, and strengthens our collective security.”

Later that day, President Obama hosted a special meeting at the White House between state officials, aid organizations, and resettled refugees. One attendee was VFAI friend Sana Mustafa, a Syrian refugee now attending Bard College in New York.

The president isn’t the only one taking a stand on the refugee crisis. In a Statement of Principles on America’s Commitment to Refugees organized by Human Rights First, 29 current and former national security leaders publicly proclaimed that the United States should take a leadership role in the refugee crisis. Welcoming refugees, the letter declares, not only strengthens U.S. national security, but is also important in upholding core American values. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who referenced the letter in a World Refugee Day op-ed in TIME, and former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta are among the signatories.

Veterans for American Ideals also made an impact on World Refugee Day. VFAI leaders across the country held events bringing together veterans and refugees for discussions on the refugee crisis and what America means to them. The two groups celebrated the many values and experiences they share, and discussed ways to strengthen alliances between the veteran and refugee communities on this issue.

VFAI founder Scott Cooper took veterans’ voices to the national stage, sharing how personal and important the refugee issue is to our community in a live interview with Brooke Baldwin on CNN Newsroom. Even more veterans spoke out individually, sharing video messages explaining why refugee protection is so important to them. As Army vet Walt Cooper says, “There is so much more that we as a country ought to be doing.” You can watch some of these statements on our YouTube page.

Several recording artists have contributed to the World Refugee Day discussion as well. Alicia Keys released this powerful short film to help raise awareness of the crisis. The short asks a poignant question: what if Americans were the refugees? We’ve also been listening to Running (Refugee Song), a collaboration between jazz musician Gregory Porter and rapper Common.

Perhaps the best music being made around the refugee crises, however, comes from refugees themselves. In the Arbat refugee camp of northern Iraq, which is home to more than 8,000 Syrian children, spirits were high when young men and women took the stage to compete in “Refugees Got Talent.” The show, organized by the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, gave many refugees a chance to show the world that, despite their struggle, their passion for performance remains strong. Said one young performer, “I want people to know through this performance, that even as refugees in this camp life continues, our talent continues, and I am glad I can do this with my friends.”

Finally, we continue to follow the #5YearsWeFled series, a collection of interviews that reveal the trials and tribulations of Syrian refugees as they make their journey across the Mediterranean in search of safety.

Have reactions to share, or want to learn how you can be involved in our efforts to raise veteran voices in support of refugees? Find us on Facebook or Twitter, or contact us at vfai@humanrightsfirst.