Honoring All Vietnam Era Veterans Day in Minnesota

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Viewpoint: Minnesota strives to support veterans, active military
Julie Bunn, Viewpoint Writer, Woodbury Bulletin
Published Tuesday, June 09, 2009

This past Memorial Day, while taking a week vacation with my family, I had the privilege of attending an early morning service at the Vietnam Support Base, Landside at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Charleston, S.C.

For me, it was one of the most moving memorial services I have ever attended.

While the event honored all those that served and had given the ultimate sacrifice for our country, the setting and the speakers were chosen to make a special statement about, and to, those who served in Vietnam.


The service was held in the midst of a recreated Vietnam military base (an on-going exhibit), complete with buildings, jeeps, helicopters and support equipment.

The keynote speaker had led several units in Vietnam, and spoke eloquently and movingly of the young men who served under him, and their and their families’ sacrifices for our country.

Most importantly, in light of our present challenges, and our nation’s future, he spoke of the fact that these soldiers did not always receive the welcome home, after care or respect that they deserved.

We were here this Memorial Day not just to remember and honor them, but to learn from our past mistakes regarding how we responded at home.

Unfortunately, the world is such that we still face challenges and military conflicts around the globe. While as free citizens in a democracy, we may not always agree about the international and military policies and decisions of our elected leaders, and thus will continue to experience spirited debate around these issues.

We have, however, evolved as a country and citizenry in our unified show of support for our active military and veterans, and in our efforts to both be available to their families when they are away and meet their needs on their return home.

Throughout my service in the Minnesota Legislature, there has been universal support for initiatives to support our veterans and men and women in uniform.

During my first term in the Minnesota House of Representatives, we passed significant legislation to show veterans of every war that Minnesota recognizes their commitment and sacrifice.

In 2007, veterans' initiatives included funding for suicide prevention and psychological support for returning combat veterans, increased funding for the State Soldier Assistance Program and for Veterans County Service Officer Assistance grants, and a "GI bill" with extensive education benefits for returning soldiers.

In 2008, veterans' initiatives included tax credits for disabled veterans, exempting National Guard drill pay in-state and active services in Minnesota from taxes, and expanding the Minnesota GI Bill and the War Survivor's Act.

At the start of my second term, I am pleased to report that the Minnesota State Legislature remains committed to preserving programs and services for our veterans and National Guard.

In 2009, we continued to support our veterans and troops despite a record budget shortfall by increasing funding for Veterans Homes by 5.3 percent, for Veterans Services Programs by 6.1 percent, and for Military Affairs by 7.6 percent.

This coming weekend, we have yet another opportunity to reflect on and honor those who have served our country.

I invite you to join the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and the Minnesota Veterans community on Saturday, June 13 at the State Capitol grounds as Minnesota Honors Vietnam Era Veterans.

On April 3, 2009, Gov. Pawlenty signed legislation declaring June 13 “Honoring All Vietnam Era Veterans Day” in Minnesota.

The day will begin at 8:50 a.m. with a Gold Star Family prayer service and end at 8 p.m. with evening entertainment.

Events will include the Vietnam memorial traveling wall, a parade of colors, a Killed-In-Action roll call, fly-overs and meeting opportunities with units and platoons.

This will be the largest Vietnam veteran event in Minnesota history and is free and open to the public.

For additional information, see the event website at www.mnhonorsvietnamvets.org, or contact Ms. Sarah Graves at (651) 757-1550 or e-mail sara.graves@state.mn.us.

Finally, I invite you to join a new effort in our local communities to make sure that our military families have the on-going support they need.

Under the leadership of committed citizens and public officials, and in conjunction with a larger Yellow Ribbon Network, our communities are now organizing to provide greater avenues for support.

Please contact me (296-4244) to be linked to local efforts.


Bunn (DFL-Lake Elmo) represents District 56A in the Minnesota House of Representatives. She can be reached at (651) 296-4244, by mail at 521 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at rep.Julie.bunn@house.mn.

http://www.woodburybulletin.com/articles/index.cfm?id=31799&section=Opinion