The snow and Minnesota winter weather didn't stop a crowd of nearly 500 Minnesotans from attending the State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program to honor and celebrate generations of Minnesota's Veterans. The event was held Nov. 11, 2014 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights.

Members of Minnesota's state and congressional delegation attended and pledged their continued support for Veterans and their families. Speakers included, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito, Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Richard Nash, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Sen. Al Franken, U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, a statement from U.S. Rep. John Kline and Inver Grove Heights Mayor George Tourville.

New this year, during the program 20 young and brave men and women raised their right hand and took the Oath of Enlistment, and joined a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The program included music from the 34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band along with two elementary school classes from the Inver Grove Heights who showed their appreciation by leading the crowd in the pledge of allegiance and singing along with the Armed Forces Salute. It truly was a day to celebrate Veterans.

View the Veterans Day Photo Album.