Dear Minot:
Officially, we’ll celebrate Veterans Day this year on Saturday, Nov. 11. But in reality, our community should celebrate our veterans every day of the year.
Minot is a proud military town, and we’re thankful for our relationship with the men and women of Minot Air Force Base. Their presence here for the past decades has made us a better community. The influx of men and women from around the country has changed the very fabric of our city by bringing new traditions, new ways of thinking, and outside perspectives to our community. We embrace our local military personnel; they are our friends, our family members, and our neighbors. We welcome them here as a place to raise their families and further their careers. We are glad they are here.
As proof of the amazing connection between Minot and Minot Air Force Base, this week our community was awarded the Barksdale Trophy, which is given to the community that goes above and beyond to support airmen and their families at an Air Force Global Strike Command wing. Minot also won the honor in 2019.
Some of the criteria for the Barksdale Trophy include the existence of community based programs that positively impact the quality of life for airmen and their families, community investment in infrastructure designed to benefit airmen, officers, and families associated with the base, and overall community hospitality, kindness, and acceptance of airmen, officers, and their families.
The first Barksdale Trophy was awarded in 2017; the winning community is allowed to showcase the trophy for two years. The trophy has been awarded four times – Minot has won it twice.
Our strong connection to Minot AFB is evident in the community support exhibited toward programs and events that benefit Air Force personnel. It’s also visible through the actions of the airmen who volunteer with organizations and events in our area.
As an example, our residents stepped up this year to raise funds for the Home for the Holidays program, which helps send our young airmen home to visit their families during the holiday season. With help from Magic City Beverage, we held a raffle for a magnificent Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The community response was overwhelming, raising thousands of dollars to help our friends at Minot AFB. This amazing program has already booked more than 100 flights home for airmen this holiday season.
On the flip side, we routinely see airmen volunteering at community events, from large-scale events like Norsk Hostfest to the annual clean-up days organized by the Minot Area Chamber EDC. Their presence is recognized and appreciated, and helps cement the relationship between the Air Force facility and the community of Minot.
Let’s make it a priority this year, and every year, to recognize, thank, and appreciate every veteran we meet. It doesn’t have to be a big gesture that draws attention. On the contrary; a small, meaningful gesture can carry so much more weight. Maybe buy someone’s coffee or meal. Or, a simple “thank you,” a handshake, or a “thank you for your service” will do quite nicely, too.
I hope everyone takes the opportunity to attend a Veterans Day ceremony this year. We must constantly remind ourselves that it’s more than a day off work for some people. Veterans Day matters, and we must not forget the real reason Veterans Day exists: To honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
To all retired and active military members, I simply want to say thank you for your service to our great nation and our community. You are appreciated, not only for what you do every day, but for who you are.
You can find more about what’s happening at the City of Minot at minotnd.org, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. We’d also encourage you to sign up for our monthly electronic newsletter on our website.