ST. PAUL, MN – In honor of the brave men and women who have fought for our country, Governor Mark Dayton today proclaimed November to be “Veterans and Service Members Appreciation” month. Currently, there are more than 353,000 veterans and service members living in Minnesota. The State of Minnesota employs nearly 3,000 of these individuals, utilizing the incredible skills these men and women learned as part of the armed forces in an effort to build a better Minnesota.

 

“Minnesota Veterans and Service Members have risked their lives to defend our country and protect our freedoms," said Governor Dayton. “They have earned our sincere appreciation and heartfelt gratitude. As we commemorate the sacrifices and contributions of our Armed Services Members, I am proud to proclaim November to be ‘Veterans and Service Members Appreciation Month' in Minnesota.”

 

“Minnesota veterans and service members and their families make great sacrifices on behalf of our state and nation,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “I encourage all Minnesotans to thank the veterans and service members in their own communities, and participate in the ‘Minnesota Honors You’ Campaign. We all owe our military families a debt of gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy.”

 

“Like our Guardsmen, Minnesota veterans live and work in communities across the state,” said Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard. "They exist quietly among us as our neighbors, co-workers and friends. Chances are that there is a veteran in your life. I urge you this month to take the time to learn more about the veterans in your communities, listen to their stories and thank them for the commitment they made to our nation's defense."

 

“Minnesota state employees give back in many ways, and this month I am especially honored to recognize those who have served in the Armed Forces,” said Commissioner Larry Shellito of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “As we express our thanks and gratitude on Veterans Day, and throughout November, my staff’s efforts remind me that the highest expression of appreciation is to live by your words; our team here are MDVA is not only thankful for the service of all our Minnesota Veterans, we also are committed to bringing them ‘all the way home.’”

 

Veterans make up 7.8 percent of Minnesota’s workforce. While serving our country, these men and women learn a great deal of transferable skills, gain experience working with advanced technology, demonstrate leadership and teamwork, work well under pressure, and triumph over adversity; valuable skills they then bring to our state workforce. The State of Minnesota is committed to utilizing their expertise by actively recruiting and retaining veterans and service members.

 

As part of the month long “Minnesota Honors You” campaign during Veterans and Service Members Appreciation Month, Governor Dayton invites all Minnesotans to join in recognizing the state’s veterans and service members through a statewide letter writing campaign. Visitors to the state capitol will have the opportunity to stop by a letter writing station and write a thank you message to Minnesota veterans.

 

In addition, the Minnesota Department of Education is issuing a call to all school districts to participate. Students can write an individual thank you or draw a picture, or whole classes or schools can do a joint thank you note. Whatever creative way they want to show their appreciation to our state’s veterans and armed forces.

 

You can download the postcard here. Letters may be mailed to: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, 20 West 12th Street, Room 206, St. Paul, MN 55155 by November 23.

 

To read Governor Dayton’s proclamation, click here.