September held the Veterans Voices recognition awards banquet. Veterans Voices is a program in which the Minnesota Humanities Center and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs partner to recognize Veterans within our community. Every Veteran has a story to tell and the program's goal is to encourage them to tell their story of their service to our great nation. The program was well attended and provided all with outstanding examples of Veterans who are making a difference in their communities.

The signs of seasonal change are everywhere. The Fall colors are spectacular! October is the month we conduct our Gold Star Family retreat. The retreat has grown each year and is now at a point of outgrowing the facilities at Cragun's. As I reflect back over the years in which we have held the event, I have seen how the families created a cohesion that is special. Most noteworthy was this past year when those who have been with the program since the beginning were helping and mentoring the younger families. I was also struck by the number of small children that were attending the retreat. The impact of the global war on terror will be felt for many years. I believe it is through the support of us all that helps these families bear the pain of their loss.

Lastly, we will be celebrating a Grand Opening of the Common Bonds Veterans housing facility located on Fort Snelling. Common Bonds is a non-profit organization that has converted many of the buildings at Fort Snelling into housing units designed to house Veterans and Veteran families. The project was most ambitious, especially if you saw the before and now after photos of the buildings. I am most impressed with the work that was accomplished in preserving the historic nature of the buildings while providing housing for our Veterans and their families.

And finally, as I look out the window, I see beautiful Fall colors - so - go outside and enjoy these special days.