Those words were echoed many times over on Saturday, November 11 as the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and the Commanders’ Task Force (CTF) hosted the official State of Minnesota Veterans Day program. 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 on our website.

It was wonderful to meet 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.

“On Veterans Day, we share our gratitude for all those who have served this country to preserve the freedoms that Minnesotans hold dear. These individuals and their families put their lives on hold and on the line for all of us.” Governor Tim Walz

“We are indebted to those who have put on the uniform and taken the oath to defend our nation and our freedom, as we all know, freedom is not free and cannot be taken for granted...In the words of former President Ronald Reagan: ‘Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.’.. To ensure these freedoms are protected, we must have a strong force with the ranks filled… I am proud to say that your Minnesota National Army and Air Guard remain full because of the work of the great citizens of Minnesota.” Adjutant General Shawn Manke

“The late Senator John McCain said: ‘There is nothing more liberating in life than fighting for a cause larger than yourself.’ That’s what today is all about. Thank you for carrying on the torch of our democracy.” U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar

“Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not of weakness…Every Veteran should have the resources that you need to do well when you return to civilian life.” U.S. Senator Tina Smith

“Today we’re here to thank you and to make sure we keep the commitments we made to you and to make those commitments stronger in the years ahead.” U.S. Representative Betty McCollum

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

“Service encapsulates the essence of our duty, our sacrifice, and our unwavering commitment to the United States of America. It also represents our desire to do something that matters; to pursue something that has purpose and meaning. And finally, it’s who we serve with and for – fellow Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Guardians and Coast Guardsmen.” DAV of Minnesota Department Adjutant and CEO Stephen Whitehead

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!