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Now is the time to honor all veterans |
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Wednesday, 26 March 2008 |
Rep. Bob Dettmer
Guest Columnist
Every November, America sets aside a day to honor our men and women who have faithfully served our nation. Our veterans deserve much more than just one single day.
As a member in the U.S. Army Reserves, and a father of two sons who are captains in the U.S. Army and have served overseas, I understand the sacrifice that is made. That is why I was proud to support two bills that recently passed the House which provide more ways to honor those who have served.
One bill which I supported, and passed the House, was a bill that would allocate a spot for a plaque to honor all Minnesota Veterans on the Capitol Mall. The plaque would honor all Minnesota veterans who have served in the United States armed forces, during both peacetime and war, and during all time periods – past, present and future.
The Vietnam War, which is what many call the most unpopular war in our nation’s history, was fought by many brave men and women from Minnesota. The Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. has 1072 names of Minnesotans who paid the ultimate price for their country. Many of them who did return home, returned to an unthankful and sometimes hostile public.
Forest Lake resident Diane Finnemann came to the Capitol and spoke with several legislators about this, and proposed to us the idea of a Minnesota Vietnam Veterans Day. Under this bill which I co-authored and was recently passed by the House, Minnesota would set aside March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day.
The date of March 29 is significant as that date in 1973 marked the final withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam. On Saturday, the community is invited to come to the new Forest Lake Library and Washington County Service Center where we will commemorate passage of this legislation. We will also remember those who served our country in the Vietnam War.
These men and women protect our lives every day, many times without notice. While very simple measures they are one way we can remember and thank all those who have served and defended our state and nation. I am proud to support all legislation that serves to honor our veterans.
Dettmer serves House District 52A which includes the Forest Lake, Scandia, Columbus and Linwood areas. He lives in Forest Lake. He may be reached at
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or 651-296-4124. Mail should be sent to 329 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
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