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MN Senator Tina Smith: Memorial Day thoughts from Fort Snelling

I had a chance to talk with Charlie, who is part of the rifle guard, who served in the Second World War... Charlie has folded over 20000 flags to honor service members who passed...He  was full of a twinkle in his eye and was so glad to be there this morning, so I was glad to be there with him...it's a really wonderful thing to remind us that Memorial Day is about commemorating the service... - Senator Tina Smith

  

Senator Tina Smith joined the morning show just after attending the wreath laying ceremony at Fort Snelling this morning.  She discussed the ceremony, what Memorial Day means to her, and new legislation she's helped pass that will support veterans: The Commander John Scott Hannon Mental Healthcare Improvement Act will build capacity in mental health at the VA, the Tribal Advisory Committee Act will improve resources for Native veterans, and the Deborah Sampson Act expands women’s health care at the VA.  She also discussed the Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act, the progress of three new veterans homes in Minnesota, and the Yellow Ribbon Program supporting service families.   

I feel a sense of optimism about the direction that we're heading. - Senator Tina Smith

Katie Carter started at Northern Community Radio in 2008 as Managing Editor of the station's grant-funded, online news experiment Northern Community Internet. She returned for a second stint in 2016-23. She produced Area Voices showcasing the arts, culture, and history stories of northern Minnesota.