ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Hundreds gathered in Arden Hills Monday morning to celebrate and honor Veterans Day.
Dozens of veterans, from all walks of life, and their family members were honored with music and a color guard. State and federal leaders – including Governor Tim Walz – also gave speeches.
Walz received a warm welcome after his whirlwind vice-presidential campaign. It was his second public performance in Minnesota after the elections.
He thanked veterans for their service and spoke about the unity that Veterans Day brings. He urged everyone to continue that sentiment under the leadership of a new country.
“I’m grateful that Veterans Day falls right after the election,” he said. “It reminds us of what’s really important. It reminds us that we are family. Families can disagree, families can bicker. But at the end of the day, we do this to protect that democracy, to protect those who are willing to do so.” to serve and make sure we do smart things to make their lives a little better.”
There was a lot of focus on efforts to reduce homelessness among veterans, with several speakers highlighting Hennepin County’s recent success.
The province announced this last month ended veteran homelessness. Minnesota is on track to become the fourth state to end vet homelessness in the country.
