Gov. Tim Pawlenty deserves credit for taking steps to draw attention to the efforts of soldiers serving overseas and at home.

Pawlenty visited International Falls Tuesday to speak at the Governor’s Employer Summit, organized by the Minnesota National Guard. The summit was intended to allow for the exchange of information about hiring veterans and recognize northern Minnesota employers of service members and families.

On the same day, Pawlenty and First Lady Mary Pawlenty, along with members of the National Guard and Veterans Affairs, unveiled the new Gold Star Families license plate at the Capitol Rotunda in St. Paul.

The plates were authorized by lawmakers this spring and will be available free of charge to any surviving spouse or parent of a soldier who died while serving honorably in active service. The cost of producing them will be paid for out of the “Support Our Troops” license plate account, which is fed by an extra charge people pay to have that slogan on their vehicle’s plates.

In July, Pawlenty visited troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and pledged to do everything possible to recognize their commitment and sacrifice.

While we disagreed with his trip at a time when Minnesotans were facing an extraordinarily huge budget deficit, layoffs and salary freezes, it seems he’s living up to his pledge.

The summit was timely. It preceded the community’s second StandDown event, held today. That event is also intended to connect the more than 1,200 veterans in Koochiching County to the services they need.

Thanks to Pawlenty for reminding us that our commitment to our troops does not end when they return home. Instead, our commitment to support our veterans should continue throughout their lifetime.