By: Ed Mermelstein

Each Veterans Day, we take a moment to remember and honor the service, sacrifice, and paths that have led many of us from military service to public leadership and beyond. As an Army veteran who enlisted at 17 and now serves as New York City’s Commissioner for International Affairs, I see firsthand how these forms of service intersect and help shape what it means to lead in this city.

New York City isn’t just a place; it’s an idea. It stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity, representing diversity, inclusivity, and resilience. It’s the city where the stories of countless immigrants show how diversity isn’t just welcomed—it’s the lifeblood of innovation, creativity, and economic growth. The city’s true superpower comes from the dreams and drive of those who come here from all corners of the globe, forming the amazing mosaic that is New York.

My journey reflects this truth. At eight years old, I arrived in the United States as a refugee from the former Soviet Union. What makes this story even more special is that my family arrived in 1976, on the 200th anniversary of America’s founding. For us, New York was more than a new address; it was a shot at a new life. This city’s unmatched openness and the opportunities it provided allowed us to rebuild and thrive. Today, as I help plan the 250th anniversary of the United States for the greatest city in the world, I’m reminded of how my family’s story is part of a much larger narrative—a story that underscores the resilience and promise that New York embodies.

When I signed up for the U.S. Army at 17, it was my way of giving back to the city and the country that had given so much to my family. The Army taught me discipline in a way that has profoundly shaped my approach to public service. It instilled in me not just respect for the chain of command but a deep appreciation for diverse opinions and perspectives. The military—much like New York City—thrives on diversity and demands hard work. You can’t rise through the ranks without proving yourself through determination and excellence. That’s what NYC squeezes out of each one of us, and it’s our secret sauce that our Mayor, Eric Adams, often talks about: the relentless drive to be the best.

Now, as Commissioner for International Affairs, I’m privileged to represent this city on a global stage. New York’s leadership in diversity and inclusion isn’t just something to boast about—it’s our strategic edge. We prove that when cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives come together, innovation follows and economies grow. This city’s relentless energy and creativity are what set it apart and drive it forward.

Military service and public service share an unspoken bond in New York City’s government. Both are rooted in teamwork, resilience, and a commitment to something larger than ourselves. These values are what make New York the city it is. I’m proud to work alongside fellow city officials and veterans whose dedication to service enriches our collective mission.

New York’s success stories—from immigrant entrepreneurs launching businesses to first-generation college grads breaking ground in tech and science—are proof that diversity drives progress. This city continues to show the world that true strength lies in its inclusivity.

This Veterans Day, we honor those who served, but we also celebrate the unyielding spirit of New York City. It’s a spirit born from the dreams of immigrants, tested by shared trials, and rooted in an unwavering belief in diversity’s power. As we look to the future, let’s double down on being a city that welcomes everyone, values every voice, and shows how diversity and inclusion pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future.

To all veterans and those dedicated to public service, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your service, resilience, and leadership light the way forward and capture the best of what New York City represents.

Ed Mermelstein is the Commissioner of the NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs