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    Minnesotans honor military kids at Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair

    Minnesotans honor military kids at Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair

    Photo By Master Sgt. Paul Santikko | Minnesota’s military youth were recognized at the Minnesota State Fair during...... read more read more

    ST. PAUL, MN, UNITED STATES

    08.26.2014

    Story by Sgt. 1st Class Blair Heusdens 

    Minnesota National Guard

    ST. PAUL, Minn. – More than 1,000 military members, veterans and their families were honored at the 2014 Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair presented by USAA, Aug. 26.

    In its fourth year, Minnesota State Fair Military Appreciation Day gives Minnesotans an opportunity to learn more about the military and military supportive organizations in Minnesota. This year, the focus was on military kids and the sacrifices they make while their parents serve.

    “Military children bravely face the uncertainty of their parent's safety when they are away, as well as the difficult reintegration when they return. It is important for these military-connected youth to know that their nation and community stand by them in support, and that we recognize their strength and the sacrifices they have made,” said Maj. Scott Hawks, director of public affairs for the Minnesota National Guard.

    With a daily attendance record of 133,595 people, thousands watched as military families took to the streets of the fairgrounds wearing purple during a parade honoring military kids. At the end of the parade, a program for military kids featured Gov. Mark Dayton, Maj. Gen. Richard C. Nash, adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, and Robert Simpson, USAA’s assistant vice president of enterprise planning for enterprise affairs. The Carousel Park stage also featured family-friendly entertainment from the Teddy Bear Band and the Bazillions throughout the afternoon.

    On the northeast side of the fairgrounds, more than 50 military supportive organizations set up educational booths with information about services and programs available to military members, veterans and their families in Minnesota.

    The mild weather contributed to the success of the day with temperatures in the mid-70s, more than 20 degrees cooler than last year’s record temperature of 95 degrees.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 08.26.2014
    Date Posted: 09.11.2014 13:39
    Story ID: 141819
    Location: ST. PAUL, MN, US

    Web Views: 49
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN