PHOTOS: Gov. Dayton Presents Richfield With 'Yellow Ribbon Community' Award

A bevy of local and state officials, including , gathered Tuesday afternoon at to recognize Richfield and 10 other area cities—and the college itself—as Yellow Ribbon Communites and part of the national Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program.

During the short ceremony, Dayton spoke on behalf of the program, which connects community leaders and organizations in order to provide support to military veterans and their families.

"The outward showing of support by these communities eases the burden for military families, eases the transition from warrior to citizen and builds a strong and more compassionate community," Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Director of Military Outreach Annette Kuyper wrote in a press release.

In his speech, Dayton noted the sacrifices that military families make and praised the Minnesota National Guard for its efforts to develop the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon initiative.

"It’s so important that we provide that kind of support, especially for returning guardsmen and women," Dayton said.

In addition to Richfield, Cottage Grove, Inver Grove Heights, Rosemount, Eagan, Plymouth and the area known as the Lower St. Croix Valley (encompassing Lakeland, Lakeland Shores, Lake St. Croix Beach, St. Mary's Point and Afton) were also honored at the ceremony. Inver Hills was the only non-municipal organization honored at the event.

Accepting the certificate for Richfield were , and Pat Brekken, or .

To see Richfield's acceptance of its award, click "play" on the video above.