Senior Connections SeniorConnections Oct 19

VETERANS MEMORIAL from Pg 2 dance to come forward, presenting them with Blue Star ﬂ ags to take home. Tengwall explained that the Blue Star Banner, also called the Service Flag, is an ofﬁ cial banner authorized by the US Department of Defense. He said it is meant for families with members serving in the armed forces in current hostilities. “If you have someone in your family who is cur- rently serving, you should be ﬂ ying your Blue Star ﬂ ag,” Tenwall said. After expressing appreciation to everyone who helped create the memorial, Heldt explained some of the features. He highlighted a large row of paver stones, set in concrete, with veterans’ names imprinted on them. Heldt welcomed attendees to inquire for more in- formation, if they have a family member who has served in the military, to add their name to the me- morial pavers, and online registry. The centerpiece of the memorial is a glass dis- play case, built into the main wall. It currently holds the uniform and helmet of Army Private Eugene Early, who was born in Wright County in 1894, and killed in action during World War I. Heldt stated how the display case will be reserved for service members killed in action (KIA), miss- ing in action (MIA), or prisoners of war (POW). Each person’s uniform and biographies will be displayed for 30 to 60 days. Nathan Johnson, representing Watertown Le- gion Post 121, spoke about Early and described his service experience. “In honor of Private Early, the American Legion Post in Watertown was named the Eugene J. Early Post 121, in 1919,” Johnson said. “This year, the post is celebrating its 100th anniversary.” Continuing the theme of gratitude, Jensen spoke about soldiers who continue to serve the nation af- ter they exit the military, by becoming effective community members. He said that the memorial has the potential to “touch all of our yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows.” Nash, whose son, David, serves in the Navy, re- counted his son’s experiences aboard a hospital ship, providing medical relief to refugees from Venezuela. “Here is what every single person who has sought medical attention has said,” Nash said. “Socialism does not work, freedom is important, and we are glad you are here to show us what freedom looks like.” The memorial is designed with large display panels, etched with images to honor the various military branches. Heldt explained that a bronze sculpture of a kneeling soldier will soon be installed, directly in front of the memorial, and a second group of paver stones will be installed to honor the ﬁ nancial do- nors behind the memorial’s construction. Live program music was performed by the Pol- ka Sons of Praise, and taps was played by Randy Stender and Vern Elke. In addition to speaking at the dedication, LaPlant, a veteran who served in Afghanistan, led the attendees in opening and closing prayers. “Freedom is not free,” LaPlant said. “It is a rare breed, indeed, that will put their lives on the line for someone else.” A paver stone garden at the memorial contains the names of veterans from all over the county. Each paver has been purchased by a military fam- ily member, and is engraved with a veteran’s name, branch of service, and era in which they served. “This is incredibly special,” Emmer said. “My wife, Jackie, and I could not be more proud to be part of this community, and could not be more proud of the people here today, and call you friends and neighbors.” Following the memorial dedication ceremony, a free lunch was served by the Mayer Lions. The food was funded by Mayer Lions, Thrivent Finan- cial Laketown Associates in Waconia, and the New Germany American Legion. Attendees solemnly searched the pavers for names of family and friends who were in the armed service, respect- fully pointing them out and sharing memories. Senior Connections HJ.COM Senior Connections October 2019 3

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