MINNEAPOLIS - Since 9/11, thousands of Minnesotans have served in the U.S. military and Minnesota has made great strides when it comes to taking care of service members past and present through the establishment of Yellow Ribbon Networks.
On Sunday, Dec. 1, the largest city in Minnesota, Minneapolis, received its official Governor’s Yellow Ribbon Community Proclamation during the Minnesota Vikings pregame ceremony before the team battled the Chicago Bears.
Gov. Mark Dayton said, "The men and women of the Minnesota National Guard, other U.S. forces, and their families, have earned our admiration and appreciation. They have also earned our continuing assistance. I thank the City of Minneapolis for joining over 200 Yellow Ribbon cities, counties, and businesses who have committed to support our Minnesota heroes when they return home."
Yellow Ribbon Communities unite to honor and embrace those affected by military service and deployments. The City of Minneapolis has developed a sustainable action plan demonstrating its long-term commitment to support military members and their families. Service members and military families who live within the Minneapolis city limits can now call 3∙1∙1 for more information on Yellow Ribbon resources and assistance. The 3∙1∙1 service is part of an ongoing effort by Minneapolis to make city government easier and more responsive to the needs of service members and their families.
"Yellow Ribbon Networks improve the wellness and resiliency of service members, their employers and military family members. Our partnerships and relationships with civilian and governmental agencies allow us to provide the best service, training and support to our Service members and their families," said Maj. Gen. Richard C. Nash, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General.
Maj. Gen. Nash and Annette Kuyper, director of Military Outreach for the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs presented the governor’s proclamation to Minneapolis City Council Member Sandy Colvin Roy and Deputy Minneapolis Police Chief Eddie Frizzel. Colvin Roy and Frizzel accepted the honor on behalf of the Minneapolis Yellow Ribbon Steering Committee and the City of Minneapolis.
The City of Minneapolis celebrated its status as a Yellow Ribbon Network by placing a banner on the City Hall Clock Tower and lighting the I-35W Bridge and several buildings downtown yellow throughout the weekend.
Currently, the state of Minnesota has 254 Yellow Ribbon Networks to include 199 cities, 33 companies and 22 counties.