Minnesota credit union leaders began the industry’s largest annual advocacy gathering with a solemn moment of gratitude and remembrance, participating in a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday morning.
As part of the 2026 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), credit union advocates from across Minnesota gathered in partnership with Bloomington, Minn.-based MY Credit Union to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by service members and their families before a week focused on advancing policies that strengthen communities nationwide.
“Credit unions were founded on service, and honoring those who have served our country is deeply aligned with who we are,” said Mara Humphrey, Minnesota Credit Union Network President and CEO. “Beginning GAC with this ceremony was a powerful start to our week.”
A Longstanding Commitment to Veterans
Minnesota’s credit unions have a strong and sustained history of supporting active duty military, veterans, and their families through meaningful partnerships and community initiatives.
Restoring a Minnesota Tradition at Fort Snelling
In 2017, MY Credit Union helped Flags for Fort Snelling restore the Memorial Day tradition of placing a U.S. flag at all 200,000 headstones at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Since then, MY has helped raise more than $500,000 to purchase flags, store and bundle them annually, and also coordinates the volunteers who place the flags each Memorial Day.
Ongoing Fundraising & Partnerships
Minnesota credit unions support organizations such as Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, which assists military families before, during, and after deployment; Operation Christmas Spirit, which provides holiday gifts and meals to service members and their families; and United Heroes League, which supplies sports equipment and experiences to the children of active duty military and veterans. Through fundraising, volunteerism, and direct partnerships, credit unions help ensure military families have access to meaningful support during deployment, the holidays, and throughout the year.
Connecting Veterans to Trusted Resources
Credit unions also help veterans access benefits and trusted guidance, including free Medicare advising sessions through credit union partner TruLync Medicare Advisors, ensuring veterans and their families maximize the benefits they have earned.
As Minnesota credit union leaders head into meetings with federal policymakers throughout the week, Sunday’s ceremony served as a meaningful reminder of the broader purpose behind their advocacy work: strengthening communities and honoring those who serve them.