Posted: 4/16/03

Area vets receive W.W. II medals

Eight veterans from the Forest Lake area received honors Monday night for their service during World War II in Europe.

The eight veterans were awarded the Jubilee of Liberty medal presented to veterans who participated in the World War II invasion of Normandy, France, in 1944.

The medals were presented by Sixth District Congressman Mark Kennedy at a ceremony hosted at American Legion Post 102 in Anoka.

Area veterans from this area who received the medal and a Congressional certificate from Kennedy are:

ïFrank Aljets, Forest Lake.

ïRobert L. Elmstrom, Forest Lake.

ïRaymond C. Landeen, Forest Lake.

ïRobert H. McKenzie, Forest Lake.

ïDelbert D. Nelson, Forest Lake.

ïJerome D. Saunders, Forest Lake.

ïJulius E. Thorp, Stacy.

ïReuben F. Wickman, Marine.

As of the day of the ceremony, 29 veterans from Kennedyís district were in line to receive the award.

Applications are still being taken to honor veterans of the Normandy invasion. To apply for the medal, contact Karen Melberg at 612-868-3567. Applications must include a copy of discharge papers showing action in Normandy or northern France during the specified period of service.

The Jubilee of Liberty medal honors those soldiers who participated in the invasion of Normandy beach at any time between D-Day on June 6, 1944 and Aug. 31, 1944.

Veterans who received the French ìThank Youî certificate can also receive the Jubilee of Liberty medal.

ìI am pleased to give recognition to these veterans who gave so much for others,î Kennedy said in announcing the award.

ìIt was one of the highlights of my first term in Congress to organize these events and I look forward to meeting more Normandy veterans and their families coming to ceremonies.î

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