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Veterans on the Hill 2023-2024
Annual spring event in Minnesota to advocate for veteran friendly legislation. |
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April 17, 2024: The annual Veterans on the Hill rally in St. Paul drew a record crowd of about 800 with standing room only. Brainerd veterans joined Bemidji and St. Cloud veterans on a bus to St. Paul. Topics advocated by the Minnesota Disabled American Veterans included passing a clean veterans omnibus bill and increasing the amount of property tax exclusion. There were more women veterans this year at the event. The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War led the march to the Minnesota Capitol. There were many good speakers including VFW Department of Minnesota Commander Dan Meyer, American Legion National Commander Daniel Seehafer and Minnesota Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Brad Lindsay. Many said we should find ways to stop veteran suicides. There were several standing ovations. Two World War II veterans were honored in the capitol rotunda.
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VFW Department of Minnesota Commander Dan Meyer, "When I look out over the crowd, I do not see Republicans or Democrats or Independents. All I see is veterans and veteran supporters. We need to work together to make this better for all Veterans and their families. This is what the veterans service organization is really about. Taking care of veterans and their families."
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The march to the capitol was led by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1st Minnesota Infantry Division. |
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KSTP-TV Eyewitness News was there to cover the event.kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minnesota-service-members-march-on-state-capitol-for-veterans-day-on-the-hill/ |
Some 17 veterans and significant others from Brainerd rode a DAV sponsored bus to St. Paul. The sign says Support Veterans Now.
March 30, 2023: Veterans and wives headed to St. Paul to persuade legislators to pass veteran friendly legislation. Dave Meyer, Crow Wing County DAV Commander, was the local coordinator. It was a record turnout of the Brainerd crew and at the capitol.
The 19 from Brainerd who took a bus to St. Paul.
There was a rally at an Armory, just two blocks from the capitol. The theme was, "We need to be engaged with the government." Goals included:
- Pass a clean Veterans Omnibus Bill
- Support the Hastings Veterans Home Project
- Support state funding to MDVA for prevention of veteran suicides
- Provide a percentage-based change to Homestead Market Value Exclusion
- Modify the definition of a veteran
- Amend two laws to help CVSOs
- Reduce the cost of hunting, trapping & fishing licenses for disabled veterans
- Eliminate 2-year rule for DIC recipients
- Eliminate vehicle registration fees for Gold Star spouses and children, as well as 100 percent disabled.
Then there was a parade to the capitol.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz told the group he is doing what he can, but the state legislator has to send him the legislation first.
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March 28, 2023: Mark Persons and Dave Meyer of the Brainerd VFW were interviewed by Brad Mielke on WWWI Radio.
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