By the time Veterans Day arrived on Nov. 11, about 3,300 of Minnesota’s sons and daughters were overseas fighting in support of the War in Iraq. All told, about 8,354 Minnesota National Guard troops have been activated since Sept. 11, 2001 that’s 65 percent of our state’s National Guard members that have been called to duty in the past four years.

Those of us living in southern Minnesota are particularly fortunate on this Veterans Day we’re able to celebrate this year’s holiday with a brand-new group of veterans. Austin is in the process of welcoming home troops from the Bravo Company, and earlier this year troops from the Albert Lea area arrived back in Minnesota to the same fanfare. I would like to thank every, single member of these crews for the service they have provided, and I wish them the best as they return to their lives here in Minnesota.

I would also like to thank everyone in our communities who supported these soldiers’ families while they were away. Your efforts helped show all of us how important it is to embrace the families left behind and remind soldiers serving overseas that they are not forgotten. Now we must move forward with a new goal in mind to make sure that supporting the troops does not end when they come home.

Besides the men and women serving right now, Minnesota boasts about 473,000 armed services veterans who deserve the same support and respect. About 400 of these are veterans of World War I; 120,000 of World War II; and 77,000 of the Korean War. About 147,000 are from the Vietnam era, and more than 40,000 served in the Persian Gulf War in the early 1990s. And a large number about 100,000 of Minnesota’s vets are peace-time veterans who never went to war, but stood ready to fight for our country if they were called to do so.

It is humbling to think of how many of our neighbors have sacrificed their lives to serve our country. Although Veterans’ Day is set aside specifically to honor these men and women, the message of this holiday should be continued every day of the year.

This year, the Minnesota Legislature made it easier for all Minnesota citizens to support our state’s veterans and active-duty military personnel. Special “Support Our Troops” license plates will be available for purchase by the beginning of 2006.

The plates will cost $10 more than regular Minnesota license plates, in addition to a $30 fee that will go directly into a special fund.

Fifty percent of the fund will go to the Department of Military Affairs for a new program providing grants to Minnesota military families facing financial hardships.

The other half of the fund total will go to the Department of Veterans Affairs for grants to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, and two veterans’ rehabilitation service programs.

The Legislature also took great strides this year to ensure today’s active-duty troops have the resources to succeed when they return home.

We increased the tuition reimbursement for Minnesota National Guard members from 80 to 100 percent this year, meaning returning troops will have an easier time realizing their goals of receiving a college degree.

In addition, Guard members who choose to reenlist once their tour is up will now receive a $1,000 reenlistment bonus from the state of Minnesota.

Veterans of World War II claimed a special victory during the 2005 legislative session. The Bonding Bill included $670,000 for a long-overdue World War II Memorial to be constructed on the State Capitol grounds. The groundbreaking for this monument took place this summer, with hopes the project will be completed by fall 2006.

While we can never fully thank soldiers and veterans for all they have done and all they will do to keep our nation free and safe, I feel these measures passed by the Minnesota legislature year are a step in the right direction.

It’s the least we can do to assure those who selflessly serve our country that they will receive the resources and support they deserve not just while they are overseas, but for the rest of their lives.

(Dan Sparks, state senator.)