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World War II veteran O. Donald Smith, Jr. (with an unidentified woman) enjoys the annual Veterans’ Day ceremony held Nov. 11 at Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis.
Credit: MDVA
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Honoring all those who serve: Local event paid tribute to Black veterans
by Julie Zimmer
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Originally posted 11/24/2009
Over one hundred veterans and community members packed the second floor banquet room at the Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis for the annual Veterans’ Day ceremony and luncheon on November 11.
The event was hosted by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and Q Health Services.
“This event is about honoring the veterans in the community for their service. We truly appreciate the sacrifice and dedication of service members and their families to ensure the freedoms and liberties we have in this county,” said Reggie Worlds, senior director of programs and services for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.
This year’s ceremony marked the five-year anniversary of the MDVA Outreach Division, which was developed in response to a call to action by the Minnesota African American community for better service to veterans of color. Since 2004, the division has matured and now works to provide service to all underserved veterans including women and those with mobility issues. In the past, these groups of veterans have fallen through the cracks.
The annual Sabathani Veterans Day event also allows MDVA to recognize the important relationship that has grown between the department and the Minnesota African American community.
“This event shows the strong relationship that MDVA has developed with our community and the appreciation that the community has for the hospitality extended to them on Veterans’ Day,” said Clarence Jones of Q Health Services.
The ceremony was full of profound and moving words from veterans such as Jim Cook, who spoke emotionally about his experience as an African American service member and the difficulties that he experienced while serving and once his service was over. Cook also shared how the community and support from community resources helped him in his journey back to civilian life.
Lee Buckley, special advisor on Faith and Community Service Initiatives to Governor Pawlenty, gave the keynote address. Buckley spoke about her passion to serve veterans and the need for all to support and honor those who serve this country.
“It was exciting to see the standing-room-only crowd at this year’s event.
In recent celebrations, we have recognized the WWII and the Vietnam-era veterans, but the Black veterans in Minnesota tend to be underrepresented,” said Buckley.
“The outreach efforts spearheaded by the Sabathani Community, coupled with the dedicated staff of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, narrows gaps in disparities in the services provided to Black veterans. The turnout for this year’s event proves that it is important to recognize our heroes, not just on Veterans Day, but each and every day.”
Tom Tipton entertained attendees with his powerful baritone voice; his rendition of “His Eye is on the Sparrow” brought many in the audience to tears. U.S. Senator Al Franken also attended, sharing information about his work to support Minnesota veterans.
After the formal ceremony, veterans and service members from WWII, the Gulf War, Vietnam and current conflicts enjoyed food, laughter and shared stories of service.
“This relationship between the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and the community is solid and of quality. Veterans have a great respect for the department’s claims representatives who provide services to them,” said Jones.
Many veterans of color do not seek or know about the services and benefits that are available to them. To learn more about free veterans benefits and programs, call 1-888-LinkVet (5838) or go to www.MinnesotaVeteran.org. To explore the services provided by Q Health Services, call 612-821-2800 or go to www.qhealthservices.org.
Sarah Graves is an information officer for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.
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