Cliff Buchan
News EditorOn the weekend when the National World War II memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C., 300 veterans of the war were honored in Forest Lake.
Throughout the weekend, community members were encouraged to remember the contributions of World War II vets and all military personnel who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation.
The weekend of honors included a full day of events on Saturday at American Legion Post 225 and Mondayís traditional Memorial Day observance led jointly by VFW Post 4210 and Post 225.
On Saturday, a contingent of about 127 World War II vets turned out at Post 225 for an afternoon recognition program and a big-screen viewing of the dedication program from Washington.
The program was recognition ́long overdue,î said Post 225 Commander Ron Weiss, a key figure in the planning of local events for National Dedication Day.
As more and more World War II vets continue to pass, Weiss said the local observance was fitting. When Legion officials began making plans for Saturdayís event last winter, Post 225 counted 139 World War II vets, Weiss said.
By Saturday, the number had dwindled by seven to 132, Weiss said, pointing to the stark reminder that the country is fast losing what has become recognized as the ́greatest generation.î
Honor the fallen
In a Memorial Day address at Lakeside Memorial Park, retired Army Col. James P. Noll of Forest Lake encouraged the audience to pay homage to all fallen veterans of all wars, including the 700 service members who have died in Iraq.
́Today we honor them, each and every one,î Col. Noll said.
Noll, twice wounded in Vietnam and the recipient of the Silver Star, reflected on the service of Bob Kelso and Pat Tillman, two professional football players who went off to the Army. Kelso died during Operation Rip Cord in Vietnam where Noll fought; Tilman was killed in Afghanistan in April.
Noll said their sacrifice was a reminder to ́why we observe this day.î He encouraged listeners to ́pay tribute to every single Americanî who has made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the country.
́As a nation, we grieve,î Noll said. ́As mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, we grieve. But the greatness of the dead should have our attention, not our tears.
́Memorial Day is a sacred time to honor Bob Kelso and Pat Tillman and others whose sacrifices have made possible every freedom, and, indeed, every breath we enjoy.î
Saturday events
Events Saturday focused on W.W. II vets and their contributions to keeping America free.
At a prayer breakfast at Hosanna Lutheran to start the day, the Rev. John Bjorge spoke of the importance to remind the public of the sacrifice that this generation made.
́God bless those people who remember the past because people count,î Rev. Bjorge said. ́We need to remember the role they played in our lives.î
The minister said it was vital to remember the past so people can live in the future with hope.
́What we remember says a lot about how we live,î he said.
A Saturday morning parade billed as a youth salute to the World War II vets was hampered by a downpour, but the march from Forest Lake City Hall to Post 225 was not stopped.
A Lino Lakes Elementary School contingent helped lead the parade that included a half dozen W.W. II vets who rode in the parade.
Saturdayís recognition program for World War II vets also included special honors for Legion members who have achieved 50 or more years of continuous membership in the American Legion.
The Legion program included performances by the Forest Lake High School Jazz Band and a choral group.
Forest Lake High School wrestling coach Bob Dettmer, an Army chief warrant officer who served in the Iraq war, recruited his wrestlers to help serve the luncheon on Saturday.
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