LETTER: Veterans will be honored with new memorial

From Rep. Lyle Koenen
District 20B, DFL-Clara City

With the celebration of Memorial Day, we are reminded of the sacrifices the men and women in the Armed Forces have made for all of us. As chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee, I care deeply about supporting our veterans and recognizing the sacrifices they have made on our behalf.
In June, we will dedicate a new World War II Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol. Please join me on Saturday, June 9, as we celebrate this long overdue symbol of our appreciation and gratitude for the many sacrifices of this great generation. The activities begin at 10 a.m. with a roll call of those who died during the war. At 1 p.m. a group photo will be taken of all World War II veterans in attendance. At 2 p.m. there will be a fly-over by period military aircraft, and the formal dedication ceremony begins. Among those giving speeches will be Gov. Tim Pawlenty and the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General John Vessey.
To help pay the expenses for Wold War II vets to travel to St. Paul for the dedication, $250,000 was included in this year’s Agriculture and Veterans Bill. Anyone who is interested in accessing some of these funds should work directly with their county veterans service officers.