A time to remember

 

On Monday, May 25, the normally quiet lawn of the Cook County courthouse was crowded with community members gathered for a Memorial Day ceremony. The brief, but meaningful event was held to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and to honor those serving the nation today.

 

American Legion Post 413 Commander Don Wilson welcomed those in attendance and introduced Pastor Kris Garey of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hovland who offered a prayer. Shelby Anderson of Grand Marais sang the National Anthem as her husband, Lyle Anderson, raised the U.S. flag—with the assistance of longtime Legion member Bob Zimmerman. Commander Wilson said Zimmerman was the "honorary guard of the flag."

The Legion Color Guard—David Asproth, Floyd Johnson, Ron Wilson, Danny Ansello, and Jim Anderson— stood stoically at attention as the flag was raised.

Wilson gave a brief speech on the meaning of Memorial Day and expressed appreciation to the people who came out to show support for veterans. He reminded everyone to take some time to talk to our veterans, to listen to their stories. He then read the "Honor Roll," a list of names of the veterans who died since the last Memorial Day service. After each name, he tolled a bell, which had been donated for use by the Legion by Iola Wojtysiak of Grand Marais.

 

 

The American Legion Auxiliary placed a wreath on the Cook County Veterans Memorial. Pastor Garey gave a closing prayer, asking all to take a moment to think of a veteran they know, to hold them in their heart in prayer.

The Post 413 Rifle Guard—Orvis Lunke, Bob Mattson, James Ford, and Larry Shepherd—then fired a ceremonial volley. The official part of the ceremony closed with Cook County Band Director Bill Tormondsen playing Taps.

After the ceremony, people lingered to look at the beautiful wreath, to visit with the Legion Honor Guards, and to say thank you to the many veterans in attendance.

Veterans lost

In 2008:
. Charlie Moe
. Darrell Holte
. John Backlund
. Lenny Quarles
. Robert Seidel
. Glenn Nielson

. Linder Jacobsen