With summertime underway, many Minnesotans are enjoying the warmer temperatures and outdoor activities longed for during our extended winter season.

And while summer certainly brings the fun of picnics, beaches and water sports, it also informally begins with one of several holidays that commemorate the miliary service of Veterans and the freedoms we enjoy because of their sacrifices.

Memorial Day saw many Minnesotans pause to remember and honor both those who died in service to our country or who passed years after their military service. The four Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries each hosted impactful programs on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend and hundreds of families and friends attended to pay their respects.

One of the special occasions I attended over the Memorial Day weekend was a dedication ceremony for Medal of Honor Recipient Captain Joseph Burger and 16 other Civil War soldiers. The highest military decoration of the United States Armed Forces, the Medal of Honor was actually created during the Civil War. A Navy version of the Medal of Honor was the first to be approved by President Lincoln on December 21, 1861. At the time, it was the first and only decoration formally authorized by the American Government to be worn as a badge of honor. The Army’s version was approved the next year for enlisted men, and then amended to also include officers who “shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other soldier-like qualities.” A total of 1,520 Medals were awarded during the Civil War alone.

This event was held at Oakland Cemetery in St. Paul and also recognized two other Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War: Corporal James Allen and Private Marshall Sherman.

Women Veterans Day is recognized on June 12 nationally and in Minnesota through a Proclamation issued by Governor Tim Walz. Women Veterans Day acknowledges that “women have served in patriotic defense of our nation, starting with the Revolutionary War through World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.” This includes more than 25,000 Minnesota women.

Flag Day is celebrated on June 14 to commemorate the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. The Flag Resolution stated: "Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” The United States Army also celebrates the U.S. Army birthday on this date.

Juneteenth is celebrated annually on June 19; it commemorates the date that the final group of enslaved people in the United States was declared free – two months after the Civil War ended and two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The holiday, focused on liberty and equality, reflects the freedoms that our military has consistently fought for.

General John Vessey Day is recognized in Minnesota on June 29 in celebration of his legacy as a soldier and statesman. The four-star general and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was born on this date in 1922 in Minneapolis. He began his military career in the Minnesota National Guard and served with the 34th Infantry Division during World War II. He also served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

And finally, our country’s 250th Independence Day will be celebrated on July 4 to commemorate the Declaration of Independence, ratified on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America after the American Revolution separated the 13 colonies from Great Britain.

So, enjoy the summer fun and festivities, but always remember that so many of the freedoms we enjoy were earned by the service and sacrifice of our Veterans.

As always, 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!