For the first time, the state of Minnesota’s Veterans Day program was held outside of the Twin Cities Tuesday, while elected officials thanked veterans for their service. During a politically charged time, some in the audience wondered why more wasn’t said about the federal government shutdown.

The Mankato Armory was decorated with red, white and blue balloons, and a band from the Minnesota State University Mankato played patriotic music for about 100 people. Attendees included veterans, military families and elected officials.

Gov. Tim Walz thanked those who served and asked attendees to listen to veteran’s stories and preserve their legacies.

“The lesson that the Vietnam veterans and those that fought in World War II taught us, they were giving us a gift, and it's up to us what we do

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