Hundreds gathered in Arden Hills Monday, Nov. 11 for the Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Ceremony. At a new location this year, Monday’s message was one of gratitude, progress and unity. Elected leaders focused on Minnesota’s dedication to its Veterans through priorities such as healthcare, housing, education and support while highlighting progress like ending Veteran homelessness in Hennepin County and opening three new Veterans Homes in one year.

It was a chance to celebrate, honor and thank our Veterans, many of whom are bonded through service. For many, the event brought comfort, connection and comradery.

The day started off with a free community breakfast, followed by a program which included a keynote address by U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Jeff Olivet, remarks from Governor Tim Walz, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Representative Betty McCollum, Representative Ilhan Omar and music provided by the 34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band.

In his keynote address, Olivet said “On this Veterans Day in a world split by conflict, let us renew our commitment to peace.”

Going forward, each year this event will be held in a different community across Minnesota, allowing even more Veterans the opportunity to attend.

This year’s event was recorded and can be viewed online here.