Posted: 5/26/04

Saturday a time to thank vets

History tells us 16.5 million Americans served in the military during World War II and that 406,000 were killed in action. Next year will signal the 60th anniversary of the war in Europe, Africa and the Pacific.

History also tells us, sadly, that we are fast losing what has been called our greatest generation. By many accounts, 2000 World War II vets pass on each day.

As each year goes by, the American public in general is losing its connection to this generation of men and women who went to the far corners of the planet to fight, and die, for the liberties we enjoy today. And as the public loses touch with a fading generation, the chance to say thanks is slowly slipping from us, too.

For those who truly care, this weekend offers residents of our community a chance to do something about that.

Monday marks the traditional Memorial Day programs at area cemeteries. At Lakeside Memorial Park vets will gather at 9 a.m. May 31 to honor their fallen comrades.

This year, as our men and women serve around the world in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, we need to keep our military in our thoughts and prayers.

Saturday offers the public a rare chance to say thanks to World War II vets, and a chance to shake a few hands. Forest Lake, through American Legion Post 225, will host a day-long program honoring W.W. II vets as the World War II Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C.

The formal dedication program will be carried live on large-screen TVs at Post 225 at 1 p.m. Saturday. World War II vets and family members will be special guests at the Legion.

A group of dignitaries, including former Gov. Arne Carlson and Sixth District Congressman Mark Kennedy, will present certificates to the World War II veterans in attendance Saturday.

The public is invited to all of the events. (The complete schedule is listed in a Page 1 story of this issue.)

This is a golden opportunity that residents of the area should not let slip away. It will be a day of education for all of us, no matter what our age.

Prior to the noon luncheon and live simulcast from Washington, a parade is planned from the City Hall complex to the Legion. The theme is ìThe Kids of Forest Lake Salute You.î

As this edition goes to press, Legion officials report that the response of kids signing up to take part is not good.

Legion officials remain hopeful school groups, church groups and youth organizations will turn out Saturday.

Any youth group or family contingent wishing to take part is asked to be at the City Hall and Youth Service Bureau parking lot at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Participants are asked to wear red, white and blue colors.

Those attending the afternoon program will also be treated to the musical talents of band and choral groups from Forest Lake High School. It is no small gesture that these talented high school students are giving up part of their weekend to help their friends at the American Legion.

But as much as these high school students will give is what they will get. The memories they will collect on Saturday may well stay with them for life.

The education they will receive in this one afternoon of rubbing shoulders with World War II vets may be their most important day of school this year.

It is often easy to use Memorial Day weekend as a holiday time to step away from work and forget about life for a while. If Memorial Day is a time for personal reflection, as it should be, use the time wisely this year.

Take some time this weekend to attend one or more of the public events planned in the area to honor veterans. It will be time well spent.

The opportunities for doing something as simple as thanking a veteran are slowly slipping away. Do it now, this weekend, before it is too late.

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