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Minnesota leaders and the public honored veterans at the Memorial Day Program at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar paid tribute to Minnesota veterans, including Master Sgt. Max Beilke, reportedly the last combat soldier to board the last plane out of Vietnam. He was later killed inside the Pentagon on Sept. 11.

“We remember the courage of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the heroic strength of their loved ones,” Klobuchar said. “So let's carry their stories in how we live our lives, how we care for our veterans and how we uphold the values they gave their lives to defend.”

Beilke, a Minnesota native and graduate of Alexandria High School, served in Korea and Vietnam.

As the 34th Infantry Division “Red Bull” Band played Monday, members of the public dressed in red, white and blue visited graves. They also attended

Gov. Tim Walz said Minnesota prioritizes funding for veteran issues across party lines.

“That expectation is the reason you gather today. The sense of gratitude, the sense that you don't have to be asked to agree with someone, but the one thing we can agree upon is those who are willing to lay down their lives so that we can have a democracy, is why we gather here.”

Walz in recent years signed bills into law for funding for veteran homes, cemeteries and the National Guard.

Regina Medina

Author

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Gov. Tim Walz were among the speakers who, along with the public, honored veterans at the Memorial Day Program at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

MN political leaders on Memorial Day emphasize democracy, bipartisan support for veterans

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