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| Date: | February 7, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Chris Van Guilder | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-1388 | | Contact Email: | christopher.vanguilder@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATE ANNOUNCES MILITARY VETERAN TO LEAD PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE |
(ST. PAUL) – The Senate Republican Caucus announced today a new initiative to have United States military veterans lead the Senate body in the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of session. The Senate, in coordination with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, will welcome a veteran to lead the Pledge of Allegiance each Monday of the 2011 session.
“We are doing this to honor our military veterans and thank them for their service to our state and country,” stated Senator Michelle Fischbach (R-Paynesville), President of the Senate. “It is an honor and a privilege to welcome these veterans and it is our hope that this tradition continues long after the current legislative session.”
Herb Cook, Retired-United States Army, will lead the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance Monday. This selection comes during the week of Mr. Cook’s 60th anniversary of his enlistment in the armed forces. Mr. Cook is a 13-year member of the Sergeant at Arms Office of the Minnesota State Senate.
Historically, this new tradition is significant. Prior to 1991, the Pledge of Allegiance was never formally recited in the Senate Chamber. A military veteran will lead the Pledge of Allegiance on every Monday during session. On each Thursday of session, the Senate body will recite the Pledge of Allegiance with no formal guest lead. Monday’s proceedings mark the first time a military veteran will lead the Minnesota Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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