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State Representative Michael Beard
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8872
For more information contact: Jodi Boyne 651-296-0640
NEWS COLUMN
Veteran's Day
Dear Friends,
Our country will have a heavy heart on this year’s Veterans Day because of the tragedy that took place last week in Fort Hood. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the families of those who died and those who remain wounded because of this senseless outburst of violence.
Perhaps you noticed flags flying at half-staff out of respect for the killed and wounded as you were about the community last weekend. This is because of President Obama’s proclamation for flags to be flown as such until sunset Tuesday. If it seems like flags are flying at half-staff more so now than in the past, it is because of a state law passed in 2004 requiring our flags to fly half-staff whenever a public safety personnel or Minnesota military member loses his or her life in active duty. The Department of Veterans Affairs has a list (http://www.mdva.state.mn.us/FlagStatus.htm) on its Web site of other days that the flag is flown at half-staff for all or part of the day.
Some people have expressed the concern that seeing the flag at half-staff too often will desensitize us or take away from its meaning. I don’t share that sentiment. An American flag waving in the breeze is a majestic sight, but seeing it hanging low imparts a sense of mournful respect, as if the flag is bowing its head in memory of the fallen. It reminds us that as we go about our daily life, another family says goodbye to a husband, a mother, a son or a daughter who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It reminds us that another true hero is welcomed into God’s loving arms.
On Veterans Day, please take a moment and express your thanks and appreciation to someone who served under our country’s flag.
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