Dear neighbors:
The protections and freedoms of every American are guaranteed by the Constitution, but they are secured by the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, and they are maintained by an active an engaged citizenry who vote, who run for office, and who petition their government. Every day at Basic Training on Sand Hill in Georgia, the Drill Sergeants drilled into us the “Soldiers Creed” which professes, in it’s third sentence, “I serve the people of the United States, and I live the Army values.” Every new soldier in the U.S. Army memorizes, every day, that the orders they follow serve not their commander nor their president, but the people of the United States.
This Wednesday, November 11 we recognize the significance of their creed, and of the sacrifices of our military personnel with the observance of Veterans Day. Generations of Americans have left their families to make a commitment to their country while facing uncertain futures, often being placed in dangerous places and situations.
These men and women are among our friends, neighbors, and family members. I hope you will take the opportunity to honor these individuals for their service. Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., the Special Forces Association Chapter 20 will hold a ceremony at the Minnesota Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the State Capitol mall. Doug Bekke, curator of the Minnesota Military Museum at Camp Ripley will give the keynote address, and the Saint Paul Central High School Band will perform.
As we honor those who have served, it is important to remember that the battles don’t end when they receive their discharge papers. Many veterans struggle to reintegrate into their former lives after their deployment ends. Access to employment, housing, and health care can often be difficult to obtain. There are resources to help:
Minnesota National Guard – Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
Minnesota Assistance Council For Veterans
Homeless Veteran Prevention and Assistance
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
While I hope you will take some time on Wednesday to reflect on the service and sacrifices our veterans have made, it’s not enough to honor them on just one day. Let’s also extend this recognition to every day of the year by giving them the respect and admiration they deserve.
Sincerely,
John Lesch
State Representative