DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and Hy-Vee are joining forces to pay tribute to Iowa's military veterans. Hy-Vee stores celebrate Veterans Day each year by offering a free breakfast to all veterans and active-duty military members as a way of thanking them for their service. On Monday, November 12, Hy-Vee stores in Iowa will distribute the Secretary of State's "Honor a Veteran" postcards during the breakfast and throughout Veterans Day, encouraging customers to pay tribute to a loved one who served our country.

"This program is a way to recognize the sacrifice of our veterans and I'm honored to partner with Hy-Vee once again," Secretary Pate said. "Iowans have always stepped up when they country needed them. These brave veterans risked their lives to protect our freedoms and our right to vote. We cannot thank them enough."

Approximately 50,000 "Honor a Veteran" postcards will be distributed to Hy-Vee stores across the state.

"Together with our customers we have the opportunity this Veterans Day to show our support to those who have served us," said Tina Potthoff, Hy-Vee's vice president of communications. "This program is one more way we can thank our veterans for serving our country and show our appreciation to these brave men and women." The veterans receiving the postcards at Hy-Vee can write a tribute to a fellow soldier, submit their own information to receive recognition from the State of Iowa, or give the card to a loved one to post an acknowledgement. The postcards will be returned to the Iowa Secretary of State's Office and tributes will be posted online at HonorAVet.net and Facebook.com/HonoraVeteran.

The person making the tribute and the veteran being honored, if they are still with us, will both receive an ‘Honor a Veteran with Your Vote' lapel pin in the mail. The lapel pins are red, white and blue, and in the shape of the state of Iowa. Secretary Pate encourages recipients of the lapel pins to wear them on Election Day as a tribute to the sacrifice veterans made to provide Americans with the right to choose our elected leaders and form of government.

A picture of the Honor A Veteran postcards and lapel pins is available for your use at this link.

Secretary Pate will be attending the Veterans Day ceremonies at the Marion Hy-Vee, 3600 Business Hwy 151, Marion, IA, at 8 a.m. Monday.

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