Photos: Minnesota celebrates its veterans

Alex Kempe stands as the Army salute is played.
Army veteran Alex Kempe counts along with the Army salute as it is played by the 34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band and Pine Bend Elementary school 4th graders at the Minnesota Veterans Day Program.
Evan Frost | MPR News

Minnesotans thanked veterans for their service Friday at public events held throughout the state.

Gov. Mark Dayton spoke at the State Veterans Day ceremony in Inver Grove Heights, where he told the crowd that veterans have sacrificed much to defend the nation's freedoms.

In light of those sacrifices, Dayton told the crowd that he's distressed at Minnesota's lower than expected voter turnout this week.

Minnesota likely led the nation in voter turnout this presidential election, but Dayton said many citizens are taking their right to vote for granted.

"It's a blessing that they can feel that security," he said. "On the other hand, some have apparently forgotten that those rights and freedoms had to be fought for, won and then defended by you and other courageous veterans."

About 74 percent of eligible Minnesota voters cast ballots in this election. That's down from 76 and 78 percent in the two previous presidential election years.

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