Veterans Day is a day we should never forget

Published Wednesday, November 7, 2007

November 11th is a day we should never overlook. From the heroism of World War One, to the sacrifices being made today in Iraq, we owe our freedom and our way of life to the men and women in uniform. “We can never forget everything they have done for us, and we need to do everything we can for them in return.

In November of 1919, at the end of World War I, President Wilson proclaimed November 11th Armistice Day. President Wilson said that the day, “will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America …” In 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars, “Veterans Day”.

I was a part of a 2007 session that did not overlook veterans and the men and women currently serving our country. Several bills passed through the Legislature that will benefit Minnesota’s veterans.

The 2007 Legislature passed several bills, including: increased funding to the Veterans Home Board for providing personal care and building maintenance; financial assistance for higher education through the GI Bill; allowing those called to active duty to cancel service contracts (cell phone, health and fitness club membership, satellite television subscriptions and rental contracts) without penalty, and ensures that their energy stays on; funding for the National Guard Reintegration Program; funding for veteran health screening; funding for marketing veteran outreach programs; and free hunting licenses for soldiers returning from overseas in the past two years.

The 2007 session was a good start to helping our veterans, but we need to look ahead and see what we can do in the future. In 2008, we will look at our veteran support network to see what changes we can make for our veterans. They have made huge sacrifices and we need to do what we can to help.

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, the Minnesota National Guard reintegration program, helps returning soldiers with the steps they need to take as they return home, such as employment, education, health care, and Minnesota State benefits. The Warrior to Citizen’s unites our soldiers with their communities by offering thanks or a listening ear to veterans, to hosting job fairs and convening support groups. Together, these two groups offer our soldiers needed support.

We must be there for them as they return home. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and the Warrior to Citizen Campaign are wonderful programs that help returning soldiers transition to civilian life. These men and women are important parts of our communities, and we need to welcome them with open arms.

Sen. Dan Skogen - Hewit