Ahead of next week’s U.N. General Assembly and Refugee Leaders’ Summit, the White House celebrated National Welcoming Week, honoring the voices of refugees and highlighting efforts to build welcoming communities for the newest Americans.

Veterans for American Ideals leader and retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Emir Hadzic, himself a refugee from Bosnia, spoke at the White House for the occasion. Hadzic addressed a group of refugees, civil society members, and government figures, including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and White House Chief of Staff Dennis McDonough. He also sat on a discussion panel moderated by U.S. Customs and Immigration Service Director Leon Rodriguez.

"The chief factor for me was a feeling of an obligation to repay a debt, as I felt indebted to the American people who welcomed my family and my people to the United States. Goodhearted American people helped us start a new life here free from persecution and hostility. I believe that we have become those Americans too. As the first Bosnian-American in the U.S. Marine Corps, I had the role of a pathfinder as well as a good cultural ambassador. I believe that I succeeded,” said Hadzic.

Watch video of the White House event here.

From the capital to the heartland, VFAI leaders showed their commitment to refugees this week. In Texas, VFAI partnered with over 700 volunteers from across the Dallas / Ft. Worth area for the 15th annual Freedom Day. Organized by Entrepreneurs for North Texas, the event commemorates 9/11 by uniting veterans with community and business leaders in a day of community service.

Scott Cooper, National Security Outreach Director at Human Rights first and the founder of VFAI, delivered the keynote speech to kick off the event, then dispatched an army of citizens eager to give back to the community.

“Thousands of Americans enlisted in the military in the aftermath of the horrific event that occurred fifteen years ago today,” said Cooper. “Other Americans sought to serve their country and help their fellow citizens in other ways. Entire cities, the entire country, felt like my hometown in Wyoming. We had each other’s backs."

Cooper also moderated a discussion panel that brought together Texas VFAI veteran leaders like Brandi Baxter, Jeff Hensley, and Joe Jenkins with area refugees. The panel touched the audience with the stories of refugees from Iraq, Burundi, and Burma and the strong sense of community and patriotism they share with military veterans.

With the support and leadership of veterans around the country, along with countless others, the United States continues its longstanding commitment to refugees. NBC News reports that the nation will boost the number of refugees it will accept next year to 110,000— a 57 percent jump over 2015. While the 2017 refugee figures still only represent a small fraction of the 65 million people displaced today, it is a step forward in demonstrating American leadership in the crisis.

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.