Today, we mark Veterans Day to recognize the service of all U.S. military veterans. I'm joining my colleagues in honoring veterans this morning at the 2022 State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights.

Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I, has been a holiday for a long time. It retains its meaning and importance because of what it represents: a time to honor veterans who answered the call, served their country and made great sacrifices to protect our freedoms, defend our cherished values and secure democracy. It's important for all of us to recognize the service and sacrifices of current and former members of the U.S. military and their families. Please take a moment to thank veterans in your life. Chances are you know a veteran because there are 304,000 current and former military members who call Minnesota home. At DEED, we are proud to have 84 colleagues who are veterans. We're also proud that earlier this year, DEED was named a Yellow Ribbon Organization for our ongoing efforts to recruit, hire and retain employees who are military veterans.

At DEED, we are particularly focused on providing employment services to veterans. As one example of this work, DEED partners with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to host the annual Veterans Career Fair. Our 17th annual Veterans Career Fair is coming up on May 3, 2023. Over the years we've made changes to accommodate veterans who are currently underemployed and seeking a different career path. Another very important pivot we've made in recent years is intentionally inviting participation by employers who are hiring for full-time positions and offering family-sustaining wages and benefits. Many Minnesota employers recognize that veterans have the skills, passion, and commitment they need in their workforce — and that hiring a veteran is a great decision for their organization's success.

Veterans Employment Representatives are located in DEED's CareerForce locations throughout the state where veterans and their spouses receive priority of service. You can find out more about CareerForce Veterans Employment Services at CareerforceMN.com/Veterans. In addition to serving all veterans through career exploration, job search, and other employment services, Veterans Employment staff also provide services, resources and referrals to National Guard soldiers returning from deployments. CareerForce Veterans Employment Services at DEED was recognized just yesterday by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Minneapolis VA Health Care System as the Community Partner of the Year. We earned this recognition through our continued partnership with the Minneapolis VA over the years in helping veterans find employment and providing the support they need to be successful on the job.

Veterans served our country, and it is our honor to serve them in finding meaningful employment and reaching their career goals. Thank you for your service, veterans.