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State Representative Bob Dettmer
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4124
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
NEWS COLUMN
REMEMBERING VETERANS ALL YEAR LONG
By Bob Dettmer
State Representative
District 52A
Every November, America sets aside a day to honor our men and women who have faithfully served our nation. Our Veterans deserve much more than just one single day. As a member in the U.S. Army Reserves, and a father of two sons who are Captains in the U.S. Army, both whom have served overseas, I understand the sacrifice that is made. That is why I was proud to support two bills that recently passed the House which provide more ways to honor those who have served.
One bill which I supported, and passed the House, was a bill that would allocate a spot for a plaque to honor all Minnesota Veterans on the Capitol Mall. The plaque would honor all Minnesota Veterans who have served in the United States armed forces, during both peacetime and war, and during all time periods – past, present, and future.
The Vietnam War, which what many call the most unpopular war in our nation’s history, was fought by many brave men and women from Minnesota. The Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. has 1,072 names of Minnesotans who paid the ultimate price for their country. Many of them who did return home, returned to an unthankful and sometimes hostile public.
Forest Lake resident Diane Finnemann came to Capitol and spoke with several legislators about this, and proposed to us the idea of a Minnesota Vietnam Veterans Day. Under this bill which I co-authored and was recently passed by the House, Minnesota would set aside March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day.
The date of March 29 is significant as that date in 1973 marked the final withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam. On March 29, which is this Saturday, the community is invited to come to the new Forest Lake Library and Washington County Gov Service Center where we will commemorate passage of this legislation. We will also remember those who served our country in the Vietnam War.
These men and women protect our lives every day, many times without notice. While very simple measures they are one way we can remember and thank all those who have served and defended our state and nation. I am proud to support all legislation that serves to honor our Veterans.
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