Veterans celebrated all week long
Published Friday, November 9, 2007
Many of us make a point of celebrating Veterans Day, but what may be less known is the fact there’s a full week dedicated to recognizing our soldiers for their remarkable contributions. It’s a fitting tribute to those who have sacrificed so much in the name of liberty.
The week of Nov. 11-17 is “National Veterans Awareness Week,” as declared by a United States Senate resolution which passed in 2001. The resolution calls for educational efforts directed at elementary and secondary school students concerning the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.
Most adults are aware of how much members of our armed forces have meant to this country from Day 1. We should do our best to ensure our children have a strong awareness as well and here are a few things we can do with them during this week of celebration:
Have children draw a picture of Veterans Day and what this holiday means to them. Military children can draw a picture of a parent who currently is deployed, or a relative who has served.
Make a thank-you card for veterans. Children can give this card to veterans they know or veterans who are listed through a VA medical facility.
Have your kids make a colorful and fun poster with the names and pictures of veterans.
Another way we can help veterans is show them some of the many programs and services available to them by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies. Here are a few:
LinkVet
LinkVet, the Veterans Linkage Line for Minnesota veterans, makes it easier for veterans and their families to find services and ensure immediate crisis intervention. During business hours, trained staff from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs will provide information on veterans’ benefits, healthcare, education, and reintegration. The line will roll to Crisis Connection counselors for 24-hour, seven days a week coverage (including holidays) for immediate crisis intervention and psychological counseling. For more information on LinkVet: http://www.mdva.state.mn.us/LinkVet.htm
Minnesota GI Bill
The Minnesota GI Bill program provides postsecondary educational assistance to eligible Minnesota veterans, and to the children and spouses of deceased or severely disabled Minnesota Veterans. For eligibility requirements and financial assistance information: http://www.minnesotaveteran.org/education/MNGIBill.htm
E-mail Newsletters
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs now offers e-mail lists to keep you informed of veteran issues in Minnesota. To sign up for the newsletters: http://www.mdva.state.mn.us/newsletter.htm
Bud Nornes - Representative 10A
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