We have been impressed with all that Freeborn County does to support its veterans, and Tuesday it took another step forward by recognizing the 26 people in our county who have been distinguished with a Purple Heart medal.

Purple Heart medals are given to men and women who suffer wounds in combat.

The recognition came as the county became a Purple Heart County — the first to receive the designation in Minnesota — on the 16th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

We thank all those people who helped the county reach this milestone and look foward to having signs posted at entrances to the community to let people know we value our veterans and particularly the Purple Heart medal recipients.

We owe all that we have in this country to our veterans who have given their time and, in some cases, their lives on our behalf. Thank you.