Minnesota lawmakers honor veterans
Members of Minnesota's Congressional delegation pledged their ongoing support for military veterans today during a Veterans Day ceremony in Inver Grove Heights.
U.S. Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., said the nation needs to do everything it can to help veterans and their families, including assistance with housing and employment. Franken said veterans also need to receive the best possible medical care.
"When veterans and our nation have our confidence in the VA shaken, we must do everything we can to restore that trust," Franken said.
Earlier this week, VA Secretary Robert McDonald announced plans for a massive restructuring of the VA system, including disciplinary action against more than a thousand employees. The shake-up follows recent scandals over falsified records and veterans waiting for health care.
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U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., also mentioned the VA's recent problems in her speech.
"I am glad that our new secretary is in his place and had devoted himself to changing that," Klobuchar said.
Klobuchar told reporters after the ceremony that she plans to meet later this week with McDonald to learn more about his restructuring plan, and how it will impact Minnesota.
U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., told veterans that their service made a difference for the country. She encouraged them to share stories about their military experiences with others.
"We know that we honor our veterans best, that we remember our history best, when we take the time to just sit and listen and learn," McCollum said.
The official State Veterans Day Program paid tribute to the men and women who've served in the armed forces, as well as those who are about to serve. For the first time, the ceremony included a swearing-in for a dozen new enlistees.
DFL Gov. Mark Dayton was scheduled to speak but bowed out due to illness.