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| FL woman's drive for Vietnam Veterans Day a reality |
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| Friday, 28 March 2008 | |
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by T.W. Budig ECM Capitol reporter She knew her brother was there. Diane Finnemann of Forest Lake looked over Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s shoulder on Thursday (March 27) to witness the governor sign into law legislation designating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in Minnesota. “I’m overwhelmed,” said Finnemann after the ceremony. “I had no clue,” she said of the formality of the event. “I thought we’d come in with a table and Larry (Rep. Larry Howes, R-Walker) and I stand there — I had no idea there was going to be all of this,” she said. “It’s overwhelming. That’s why I can’t talk,” said Finnemann. Others did. In his remarks, the governor said it was “shameful” that returning Vietnam War veterans were not welcomed home from the controversial war, not thanked for their service. He recounted meeting a Vietnam veteran after a patriotic event at Hastings High School in 2007 who told him it was the first time since the war he had ever attended such an event. “It should never be repeated again,” Pawlenty of failing to acknowledge the service of veterans. Making peace with the past Finnemann believes some Vietnam veterans are making peace with the past. “We’ve been able to accomplish a lot, one-on-one, with different veterans,” she said. “So many of them can now proudly say, ‘I served my country,’” said Finnemann. “More than one has said that. Their anger, their wounds, have healed a bit,” she opined. One returning Vietnam War veteran not afforded the luxury was Finnemann’s own brother, Skip Schmidt, posthumously awarded the Silver Star in 1998 for his service during the war. The returning private first class had committed suicide. Kindled memories Finnemann sensed his presence at the bill signing at the Capitol. “I know he is (here),” she said, explaining how recent events in her family had kindled memories of her brother. Memories of some 1,072 Minnesota soldiers are found on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington. Pawlenty indicated that in upcoming years the state would have formal observances of the new veterans holiday. Howes, a friend of Finnemann, carried the legislation in the House. Finnemann and others have been appearing at committee hearings this session lobbying on behalf of Vietnam Veterans Day. Social Bookmarking ...       |
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