Gov. Mark Dayton honored American Indian veterans Thursday, speaking at a ceremony to install a plaque on the Capitol grounds to recognize those who served in war and peacetime.
"Every man and woman who signed up to serve in the United States military took the same risk," he said.
No one knew whether they would be serving in war or during a peacetime, he said. Those serving in wartime never knew if they were going to be serving on the front lines or in support staff.
"Everybody took that same chance, everybody answered the call, whether it was convenient or not, whether it fit their life plans or not," he said. "They put their lives on the line for the people of this country."
Dayton noted that American Indians served in much higher percentages than the rest of the U.S. population.
"We are in your debt, in your debt, for your service, and for your courage," Dayton said. "And we thank you."
