Minnesota's 'Veterans Voices' Nominations Due July 9

The Minnesota Humanities Center has called for nominations for the Second Annual Veterans' Voices Awards, which will recognize past and present military service members' engagement in their communities. The awards will be presented in September. Deadline for nominations is 11:59 p.m., Wed., July 9.

According to the center:

The 2014 Veterans' Voices Award recognizes, amplifies, and honors Minnesotans who have honorably served, are thriving, and making extraordinary contributions to their communities. These actively engaged, former and current military service members go above and beyond to make exceptional, positive contributions that improve the lives of people across Minnesota.

Nominees selected to receive an award will be notified by July 31.

There are two categories for nominations: "On the Rise" (40 and under) and "Legacy" (41 and over).

Nominations may be made with or without the knowledge of the nominee. Nominations must be accompanied by a 500-word narrative describing the nominee's achievements in support of the award. Questions to be answered include:

• How do you define the community that this individual has made a significant and exceptional positive contribution to?

• How is this individual actively involved in the community? How does her or his involvement go above and beyond what one might expect?

• What is this individual’s significant and exceptional positive contribution to the community? What lasting impact has this had within the community?

• Is there anything in this individual’s background that is important to know?

Download a nomination form as PDF here, or complete a nomination on-line here.

For examples of previous recipients, see the biographies of the 25 awardees from 2013 here.

The overall Veterans' Voices effort is a long-term initiative to illuminating the stories and contributions of Minnesota veterans through the humanities. In addition to the annual Veterans' Voices award, it supports plays, art, discussion groups, and other projects.

A Facebook page for the Minnesota Humanities Center Veterans' Voices project is here.

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MINNESOTA DECLARES OCTOBER AS VETERANS' VOICES MONTH

In related news, the state of Minnesota recently became the first state to dedicate an entire month–October–to honoring veterans through the arts and humanities. According to the Minnesota Humanities Center, "This law will not only honor and celebrate the accomplishments of Minnesota Veterans, but will also educate all Minnesotans by sharing and studying Veterans’ experiences. Minnesota Veterans will be encouraged to share their stories through art, essays, and poetry in an effort to assist the public in understanding this unique military culture."