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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Connie Bernardy (DFL)

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Legislative Update - Honoring Veterans

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Dear Neighbors,  

Every November 11 we take time to celebrate and pay respect to our nation’s military service members. Veterans Day honors their sacrifice and reminds us to honor the brave men and women who protect our country.  

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Our community, state, and country owe a great deal to our veterans. Our way of life is only possible through those who serve in our armed forces. Their service deserves our gratitude every day of the year. 

This Veterans Day please pause, reflect, and pay tribute to a WWII veteran and icon in our community, Stan "Krusher" Kowalski. Our community recently celebrated his life with family, friends, many veterans, and even fans. He was a giant of a man not only in stature but in heart. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Stan continued dedicating his life helping others. 

Growing up in the community, I remember Stan serving on the School Board. He organized the 9/11 Memorial Service, helped other veterans, raised millions for charity, fought for workers as a Teamster, brightened the lives of children in the hospital, and served amazing taco pizza at his restaurant.

It’s important we take time letting our veterans know how much their service means to us and our community. To all the veterans out there, I want to thank you for your service. Your sacrifice is what makes our country great.

Fridley Middle School Veteran's Day Program 

I also want to give a special thank you to the students and staff at the Fridley Middle School for celebrating, honoring, and commemorating our veterans. I appreciate the invitation to take part in this program. Each year, I am so moved by the students as they share the stories about the veterans they interviewed. It is so important our students and community understand the sacrifice and service our veterans gave and often continue to give to our country. It was extra special this year to listen to Keynote Speaker, Mr. Boucher, Spring Lake Park High School Principal and former Fridley Middle School Principal. I enjoy visiting with the veterans from our community and their families at the reception.

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Please don’t hesitate to reach out with ideas, questions, or ways in which I can be of help to you on state matters. 

Connie Bernardy