Minnesota Veterans: You are appreciated. You are valued. You are remembered.

Those words were echoed many times over on Friday, November 11 as the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and the Commanders’ Task Force (CTF) hosted the first in-person Veterans Day program since 2019. More than 400 people joined us at the Inver Grove Heights Veterans Memorial Community Center and another 400 viewed the program via livestream. The program was recorded and continues to be available online.

It was wonderful to reconnect in person, enjoy breakfast together and hear words of gratitude from state and federal elected officials who represent and advocate for Veterans. They were honored to be there to express to us all: “Thank you for your service.”

These leaders recognize that we, who have raised our hand to serve our country, volunteered to put ourselves in harm’s way to defend our freedoms, and sometimes incurred temporary or permanent injury to body, mind or spirit, deserve the respect of all our fellow citizens and have earned the benefits that come from being a member of the United State Military.

I’d like to share a few moments from the Veterans Day Program that were meaningful to me.

“If we are going to ask the sons and daughters of our nation to defend us, we have every responsibility to care for them when they come home.” Governor Tim Walz

“We are indebted to those who have put on the uniform and taken the oath to defend our freedom. We cannot take that freedom for granted.” Adjutant General Shawn Manke

“It is with grateful hearts that we come together to honor our Veterans…the best thing we can do is to honor you with our actions and by promising that we will be there for you when you need us.” U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar

“Our state’s tradition of military service stretches from the Civil War – when Minnesota was only five years old – to today. Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans have answered the call to service and have done so with courage and with honor.” U.S. Senator Tina Smith

“The sacrifices you have made to leave your families and homes in the name of duty and to serve your country to keep our nation safe is something we will never forget and will forever be in your debt.” U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar

“Service is not singular. Service also means there is a family with you, and they serve with you, too.” U.S. Representative Dean Phillips

And as I shared at the event, it is your service and sacrifice that has kept our country safe and free. Committing yourself to service in the military was a brave and selfless act. It was an honor for me to wear the uniform of our country every day, and I am sure that you feel the same way.

As we often say, at MDVA, every day is Veterans Day. We are honored to serve you. If you need information or support on any Veteran issue, please visit our website, contact your County Veterans Service Officer, or contact LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet.

Thank YOU for your service!