Minnesotans from across the state recently nominated Veterans for making outstanding contributions to their communities. These actively engaged former and current military service members are recognized for going above and beyond to make exceptional, positive contributions that improve the lives of people across Minnesota.

From a host of nominees, 10 "Legacy" Veterans-a new 2014 award category- and 20 "On the Rise" Veterans received honors at the Minnesota Humanities Center's Veterans' Voices Award Ceremony on September 11, 2014. Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Larry Shellito, briefly addressed the awardees and their guests at the ceremony.

The event was sponsored by the Minnesota Humanities Center, Minnesota Vets4Veterans, Mortenson Construction, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Wounded Warrior Project, the Minnesota Department of the American Veterans Association, The Travelers Companies, Inc., and JNBA Financial Advisors.

October has been designated as Veterans' Voices Month. Minnesota is the first state to designate an entire month to honoring Veterans. The Minnesota Humanities Center worked with Minnesota Veterans, Representative Jerry Newton (D-District 37A), Representative Bob Dettmer (R-District 39A), and Senator John A. Hoffman (D-District 36) to write a bill designating October as Veterans' Voices Month (HF 2812). After passing both Houses by unanimous vote, Governor Mark Dayton signed Veterans' Voices Month into law on May 16, 2014. This law will not only honor and celebrate the accomplishments of Minnesota Veterans, but will also educate all Minnesotans by sharing and studying Veterans' experiences. Minnesota Veterans will be encouraged to share their stories through art, essays, and poetry in an effort to assist the public in understanding this unique military culture. For more information visit http://www.mnhum.org/vets.

(Information from this article is credited to the Minnesota Humanities Center)