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NEW ULM - The highest-ranking enlisted military member ever to serve in Congress thanked veterans and praised those that support them Wednesday at the Veterans Day Program in the Cathedral High School Gym.

"Every freedom we enjoy comes from the blood and sacrifices of veterans and their families," 1st District Congressman Tim Walz said.

"Bunker Hill, Gettysburg. ... Falujah, Baghdad, Kabul. Veterans gave their blood, fought and served for people they'll never know," he said.

Walz, a Democrat, served on the Veterans Day Committee in Washington and discovered it was different than serving with most other political entities.

"There was no politics, no pettiness," said Walz. "It was 'what can we do for you and the veterans?'"

The son of a public school administrator from tiny Butte, Neb., Walz served 24 years in the National Guard. His service included a tour of overseas duty in Operation Enduring Freedom. He reached the rank of Command Sergeant Major.

On leave from his high school teaching job at Mankato West, Walz taught high school in China with the first government-sanctioned group of American educators in China via a Harvard University program.

He praised New Ulm for its veterans programs.

"No community supports veterans like New Ulm. It's truly impressive. One of the best things America has to offer," Walz said.

"Honor vets. Rally around them and their families. We're in two difficult conflicts now with people that would destroy America if given the chance," he said. "...We've got tough choices ahead. Don't ever compromise on the backs of veterans."

New Ulm American Legion Commander Larry Hunstad urged the audience to remember all veterans and their families on Veterans Day and thank them.