Among a standing room crowd of about 1,200 employees, the CBP Honor Guard opened the ceremony with a presentation of colors.

Assistant Commissioner Jeffrey Robertson, Office of Public Affairs, welcomed employees as the Master of Ceremony and Susan Mitchell, Executive Director of Field Operations began the event by leading the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mitchell later offered her personal account of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and referenced the day as a watershed event. “We must never forget that day,” Mitchell said. “For this day established the essential mission of CBP. We must continue to do all that is possible to ensure this never happens again,” Mitchell said.

The celebration continued with a video, which distinctively highlighted the history and ultimate creation of U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 1, 2003.

Commissioner Basham continued the celebration with candid thanks to all CBP employees for their hard work. “The magnitude of what you do each day is incredible,” said Basham. “I am astounded by your efforts. You must know that at the end of the day, you can pat yourself on the back for a job well done, because you’ve earned it.”

Deputy Commissioner Ahern reminded employees to remain vigilant while serving, and to not forget that there are still people plotting and planning. “Take pride in knowing there has not been an attack since 9/11. This is in no small part due to the people in this room and in this organization,” said Ahern. “I sincerely thank you for your service and I’m very proud to serve you.”

The celebration concluded with Time in Service Award presentations to 42 CBP employees with 25 years of service or more, with increments of five years and with anniversary dates between April – August. The recipients were made up of employees from: Office of CBP Air and Marine, Office of Intelligence and Operations Coordination, Office of International Affairs and Trade Relations, Office of Border Patrol, Office of Field Operations, Office of Finance, Office of Human Resource Management, Office of Information Technology, Office of Internal Affairs, Office of International Trade, Office of Chief Counsel, Office of the Commissioner and the Office of Training and Development.

A reception immediately following the ceremony allowed employees to meet and greet the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, as well as five elite “C” litter puppies from the CBP Canine Center in Font Royal, Virginia.