The Minnesota State Fair saluted veterans and active service members on Tuesday, drawing generations of soldiers, sailors and airmen.

John Lebens, who served in the U.S. Navy, said he's only missed one state fair since he was a high school sophomore - and that's because he was deployed.

"I started coming to the fair back in 1959 and I've been here every year except the year I was in Vietnam," he told WCCO News. "I keep coming back for the atmosphere, the animals. I used to come for the rides, but not anymore."

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar joined Minnesota National Guard senior officers in recognizing veterans at a special morning program and flag raising. The guard also conducted a special fly over of UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.

"When they come over I just get goosebumps because it pulls

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