The holiday season is upon us! 

 

It is that time of year when we balance the many demands - whether it be family or work gatherings, or just plain maneuvering the traffic at the shopping malls.  It is also that time of year we make a special effort to connect with family near and far to share the feelings of the season.

 

For the Veterans community, it also causes us to pause and reflect on the importance and the sacrifices Veterans have made for our country.  As an example, when I look out my window at the Veteran service building in St. Paul I see the USS Ward Gun. This was the gun that fired the first shot of World War II for the United States military.  It has now been 75 years since that day that ‘lives in infamy.’  The day reminds us of the sacrifices made by so many during WWII as well as those preceding and unfortunately following since then.  

 

The holiday season seemingly always shows pictures of family gatherings and the sharing of love and gifts to those dearest to us.  Yet I cannot forget the number of requests I get in the mail for donations to help feed the homeless and less fortunate.  So this Christmas I again ask you to embrace those nearest to you and express to them the love that you have for them, but also to take a moment to reach out and help those who may be in need.  Please take time to pause and consider the impact on our Veterans who remain homeless.

 

2016 has been a productive year for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs as we have achieved many of the goals we set forth to accomplish.  But we also acknowledge that there is much more to do. Our mission remains the same and that is caring for our Veterans.

 

Enjoy the holiday season, be safe, and I look forward to 2017!