Military leaders, lawmakers honor veterans during ceremony in Inver Grove Heights
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, Minn. – Minnesotans are taking time Friday to pause and thank those who served our country. Over in Inver Grove Heights, the state's Veterans Day program was back in person for the first time since 2019.
"We are forever indebted to you and the service to our nation," Minnesota National Guard Maj. Shawn Manke said.
Several military leaders and lawmakers were present at the Veterans Memorial Community Center, including Gov. Tim Walz.
"The best thing we can do is honor you with our actions and by promising that we'll be there for you when you need us," Sen. Amy Klobuchar said.
This Veteran's Day, lawmakers are putting those words into action.
"It is my personal mission for every single one of you, that we do better," Rep. Dean Phillips said. "To ensure that we do better. To ensure that every single one of you receives the benefit you deserve."
This last legislative session, several laws were passed to better support veterans. Like the Veterans Law, which aims to end and prevent veterans homelessness, fund veteran homes and cemeteries and give bonuses to Gold Star Families. Another is the PACT Act, which expands VA health care eligibility for toxic exposure.
"With Agent Orange, we had to prove to them that we got whatever we had from Agent Orange," Vietnam Veteran Dave Hinez said. "They don't have to go through that now, with the burn pit people."
Those on the front lines say it's a step in the right direction.
"If I were running the VA, the motto would be, 'The answer is yes. What's the question?' That's how it should be and that's what kind of now is happening with this," Vietnam veteran Jim Bury said.
