Despite the ongoing presence of the coronavirus pandemic, the month of May at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has proven very productive. This is another proof point that MDVA is here for Minnesota Veterans through good times and bad. And especially when times are tough, we are here to support those who have served and ensure Veterans receive the benefits they have earned.

The month is quickly coming to an end, but not before we recognize those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on Memorial Day. The COVID-19 pandemic requires a new approach to our traditional Memorial Day events. This year we will mark this special day in a new and different way, but with the same goal: to honor and pay our respects to Minnesota Veterans who have passed.

We are holding a virtual Memorial Day program this year in place of live events at the three State Veterans Cemeteries in Little Falls, Preston and Duluth. Our Veterans Homes are also hosting alternate events to commemorate Memorial Day. We encourage you to also align your Memorial Day plans with the Governor’s StaySafeMN order and keep gatherings to 10 or fewer people, maintain social distancing and wear a facemask.

MDVA has partnered with Twin Cities PBS-TPT to create a 30-minute Memorial Day program entitled “Always Remember: A Minnesota Tribute to Veterans we’ve lost.” The program will be broadcast across the state on TPT’s Minnesota Channel at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 25. I encourage you to tune in and watch a very moving and poignant program.

May is also a month of several special recognitions. May 6 - 12 we recognized National Nurses Week. The Minnesota Veterans Homes are honored to employ 287 nurses who care for our more than 700 Residents at five locations. We thank these frontline workers for their commitment. We also recognized Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 10 - 16. In total, the Homes employ more than 1,200 staff. We are grateful to the entire team, especially during this challenging time.

In May, we are also observing Mental Health Awareness Month. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing increased anxiety, stress and depression among many people. We know that caring for our mental health and emotional wellbeing is important. What do you do to relax and destress? Join the MDVA leadership team in sharing your leisure-time favorites on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtags #MoreThanEverBefore and #MNVeteran.

Finally, Friday, May 8 was the 75th Anniversary of “Victory in Europe,” or V-E Day. More than 320,000 Minnesotans served in World War II, and Minnesota has a unique connection, as Hutchinson native Milburn Henke was the first American GI to step foot in Europe. Randal Dietrich, Minnesota Military Museum Executive Director, shares: “As stewards of Minnesota’s military history, we seek to educate not despite these tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic, but because of it. The WWII generation persevered through uncertainty and hardship and so shall we.”

MDVA is here for all Veterans and their families. Contact us via our website at MinnesotaVeteran.org, call 1-888-LinkVet, email or chat online, or visit with your County Veterans Service Office.

And as always, thank you for your service!