On Veterans Day, Honors For Soldiers Across Minn.
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, Minn. (WCCO) -- There are several events going on across Minnesota on Monday as we take time to honor the military past and present on Veterans Day.
We have about 370,000 veterans in Minnesota, and one of the biggest events on Monday is in Inver Grove Heights. That's where dozens of vets and their families were honored by state lawmakers and Gov. Mark Dayton in a ceremony to acknowledge those who have served our country and those currently in service.
Veterans of all ages shared their stories inside the Veterans Memorial community center Monday morning. Lawmakers reflected on what's been done to help veterans and their families succeed, this year.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar highlighted upgrades to equipment for the troops in the field to help them safely carry out their missions. She also mentioned funding increases to strengthen military health care and improve veterans' health services under Veterans Affairs.
Gov. Dayton acknowledged more can be done to help the families of veterans as he addressed the crowd. He said it's important to honor our veterans year-round.
"You've got to work for it there is nothing free," said veteran Bill Lilledahl.
"You put yourselves in the same dangers, face the same risks and you deserve high honors," Dayton said. "You deserve a grateful nation to remember and day 'thank you.'"
It also should be noted which places are closed Monday for Veterans Day so you plan the rest of your day. All U.S. post offices are closed and there's no mail service. All government offices are closed. Banks inside grocery stores may have normal hours. but most are closed so call ahead.
Most malls and grocery stores are open.
