A somber and important date among active duty members of the Armed Services, Veterans and the families, friends and neighbors we have defended, is our country’s annual recognition of Memorial Day. While it has become a day to remember all loved ones who have passed, Memorial Day is primarily a day of remembrance for our members of the military who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of our country’s freedom.

A brief history lesson: In May 1868, Union Army General John Logan officially proclaimed Memorial Day to honor those who died “in defense of their country during the late rebellion.” The General’s Order read, in part: “Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of springtime, let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor.” Known to some as “Decoration Day,” mourners honored the Civil War dead by decorating their graves with flowers. On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.

After World War I, Memorial Day became a day to honor all Americans who have died fighting in our nation’s wars.

I am proud that the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a leader in ensuring that this important day continues to receive the recognition and attention it so richly deserves. At our State Veterans Cemeteries and at our Minnesota Veterans Homes, we will take time to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by members of the military in years past. A complete schedule of Memorial Day events is listed on our website. The Memorial Day event locations include:

• State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls
• State Veterans Cemetery in Preston
• Minnesota Veterans Home in Hastings
• Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne
• Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis

I encourage you to attend one of these moving programs and pay tribute to our fallen heroes.

The month of May also brings another recognition. May 12 - 18 we celebrate National Skilled Nursing Care Week/Minnesota Veterans Homes Week. MDVA is fortunate to provide care for more than 700 Residents at five locations around the state. Our Veterans Homes consistently rank among the highest quality facilities in the country, and our Residents and families concur. Recent feedback includes the following comments:

• “I appreciate the care, the extraordinary personal attention, and that they are all treated with dignity.”
• “I tell people that from the very beginning to his care right now, they have given him personal attention and wonderful care.”
• “The care is wonderful and the personnel are friendly and very competent.”
• “The staff are wonderful, the facility is clean, and they take care of Residents like one of their own.”

Please join me in thanking the 1,200+ staff members who are dedicated to caring for our country’s heroes with skilled nursing care, domiciliary care and adult day care. 

Every one of our employees makes a difference at the Minnesota Veterans Homes. They honor Minnesota Veterans for their service and sacrifice to our country by demonstrating care, compassion and respect every day.