Bill to honor Gen. John Vessey heads to governor’s desk

The story about Gen. John Vessey’s ascension from humble beginnings to the most-senior military position in the United States is something of Minnesota lore. But soon, the state could solidify Vessey’s story by naming a day after him.

The House passed HF2011/SF1694* on Thursday by a 126-0 vote, sending the bill to Gov. Mark Dayton’s desk. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dale Lueck (R-Aitkin) and Sen. Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point), would recognize June 29 – the four-star general’s birthday – as “General John Vessey Day.”

At 16 years old, Vessey lied about his age to join the military and fight in World War II, then climbed the ranks to the highest peak, overseeing the entire U.S. military as the 10th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, serving under President Ronald Reagan.

Vessey joined the Minnesota National Guard in 1939 and served in the Vietnam conflict, in addition to World War II, as well as holding military posts in Germany, Korea and as a special emissary to Vietnam.

Lueck pointed to Vessey as one of President Reagan’s “most trusted advisors” in ending the Cold War.

“Gen. Vessey is a treasure to this state and to this country. His service was unwavering,” Rep. Paul Rosenthal (DFL-Edina) said. “It’s really nice that we can do this today for him and for his family.”