Cliff Buchan
News EditorArea military veterans who served during World War II will be at center stage in Forest Lake on Saturday, May 29 during a local program linked to dedication of the National World War II memorial in Washington, DC.
Thanks to American Legion Post 225, W.W. II veterans will gather in Forest Lake on May 29 for a day-long program of honors that will include the televised memorial dedication for the nationís capital.
As a tribute to the veterans of World War II and the effort to fund and build the memorial, a long list of events will take place on May 29, according to Ron Weiss, Post 225 commander.
The schedule will include food gatherings, a prayer service, special programs and presentations, a parade for kids and a musical tribute by the Forest Lake High School choral groups and bands.
ìWe want to encourage all area World War II veterans to turn out for this national dedication day,î Weiss said.
The Legion has issued a request asking all World War II veterans to attend the program.
Veterans from the area are asked to call Post 225 at 651-464-2600 to help the Legion plan for the May 29th event and to register their names for posting on the national memorial.
The Legion would like to know in advance the number of veterans planning to attend the event and if any are available to help with transportation of veterans who cannot drive.
The program will be in addition to the Monday, May 31 traditional Memorial Day program sponsored locally by VFW Post 4210 and Legion Post 225 at Lakeside Memorial Park and area cemeteries.
Arts Festival
In addition to the performances by high school band and choral students, all area students are being invited to take part in the 2004 Dedication Day Arts Festival, titled ìA Grateful Nation Remembers.î
Students may use any form of expression to pay tribute to those who have defended the liberty of the U.S., Weiss said. Categories include essays, photographs, visual art and musical compositions.
ìIt is vital that they learn of the service, sacrifice and courage of all of Americaís warriors,î Weiss said. ìPatriotism, if it is to survive, must be expressed. One way to allow our communityís young people to express their patriotism is through an arts festival.î
Students in pre-school through high school may take part. Students are asked to provide one entry to the contest. Entry forms are available at all schools or from the American Legion Post. A completed entry form is requested for each entry in the competition.
For more information, call El Ewert at 651-260-5638.
ìOf all that is done this weekend to honor those who served and memorialize those who died in defense of this nation, it is vital that our young people today see that we remember, that we are grateful,î said Ewert, a World War II combat veteran and Bronze Star recipient.
May 29 schedule
Here is an updated schedule of events being planned for Saturday, May 29.
ï8-9:30 a.m., prayer breakfast at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 9300 Scandia Trail N. (TH-97) Forest Lake. Food for the breakfast will be prepared and served by The Old Log Cabin, Forest Lake. Ewert will serve as master of ceremonies and two World War II veterans will speak.
ï11 a.m. to noon, parade for kids in downtown Forest Lake with exact route to be determined. ìThe Kids of Forest Lake Salute Youî is the parade theme.
ïNoon-3 p.m., recognition lunch and reception at Post 225, 355 W. Broadway Ave. Lunch will be served from 1-2 p.m. Post 225 will present special awards for 50 and 60 years of continuous service and the Forest Lake High School choral groups directed by Jim Lindstrom and the band directed by Richard Hahn will perform during the afternoon.
A long list of special guests for the day have been invited.
ï3 p.m., Simulcast of the national memorial dedication program. The event will be telecast over the Postís 12-foot jumbo TV screen.
The national memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served, fought and died to secure democracy and preserve freedom.
ï9 a.m.-5 p.m., American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in in the Legion parking lot.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend all of the events on May 29. There is no admission charge to any of the programs that honor veterans.
Post 225 is one of several American Legion Posts in the state selected to take part in the national dedication program and the simulcast.
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