A plaque was dedicated to the late Don (Smasher) Wilson at the courthouse on Veterans Day for Wilson’s efforts to establish a memorial to veterans on the courthouse lawn in 2002. American Legion Post 413 Commander Bob Mattson gave a tribute to Wilson, who was the previous commander of the post. Starting in front from L-R: Laura Marxen, seated, Pete Wilson, Betty Wilson, Perry (Proof) Wilson, Donna Wilson, and Ronnie (CR) Wilson. Standing back from L-R: Bobbie Bockovich, Bruce Strand, Dick Bockovich, David Beckwith, and somewhat obscured in back, Pat Strand.
“Veterans have given us freedom, security and the greatest nation on earth. We can’t put a price on that,” said Clarence (Clink) Everson, the keynote speaker for the Grand Portage American Legion Post 2009 Veterans Day celebration.
The day began with a drum ceremony, followed by raising the U.S. flag and the playing of the U.S. and Canadian National Anthems. At 10:55 there was a Veterans Day Observance followed by a moment of silence.
Then Everson, who is the Grand Portage Veterans Service Officer and member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe, rose to speak. Here, in part are his words.
“Those who we lose on our battlefields, who go home with a flag draped over their coffin, leave their families back home with new challenges to face. The innocent children and the spouse or even the parents feel the sting of this loss that leaves them with only memories. Life as they know it will be harder from now on.
“So I say, our debt to these heroes can never be repaid, but our gratitude and respect must last forever…
Cook County cub scouts met on Saturday, November 11 to celebrate Veterans Day and to learn about what it means to be a veteran and a patriot. Pictured here are Jake Mixdorf on the left and Noah Smith on the right. They were reciting famous Veterans Day quotes, and Jake was telling what Duty to Country and the service of our veterans means to him. They are fifth grade Webelos Scouts. Ryan Klozotsky, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, was the keynote speaker for the cub scouts Veteran’s Day celebration. He gave a presentation to the boys, told stories, showed memorabilia, and taught the boys how to care for and fold the flag. Ryan also answered a lot of the kid’s questions.
“As a veteran myself I can say we don’t ask to be put in a special class, but benefits are a mere drop in the bucket compared to the financial and human cost of war. Not all veterans see war, but I know that all veterans would go to war if they were called to do so.
“Last but not least, homelessness is a big issue that affects many veterans. Too often today’s tattered citizen of the streets was yesterdays brand new soldier in a nice uniform. This is hardly the ‘Thanks of a grateful nation.’ We can do better, and we must do better!
“Does anyone know that fewer than one percent of Americans can claim the title of the veteran? Much less than one percent of our population is defending us in the Global War on Terrorism, yet so many seem intent on trying to balance the budget by diminishing the quality of life programs designed for these families.
Top: Seated at a table, Clarence Everson gets ready to eat some cake after giving his keynote address in Grand Portage. Above left: The Cook County Historical Society had a roomful of displays of memorabilia from veterans, the late Bill Bally featured here. Above right: CCHS school counselor Kris Hoffmann led the Veterans Day celebration at the school.
“God bless you all for being here. God bless our veterans, and God bless America.”
Celebration at the High School
Even though the girl’s volleyball team was at the state tournament with plenty of fans in tow, the CCHS gym was full as the community came out in droves to honor veterans in a Friday celebration primarily put on by the students.
Following the posting of the colors by American Legion Post 413 Honor Guard and Auxiliary, the playing of the Star Spangled Banner and pledge of allegiance, the CCHS choir sang I Dream a World. Choir director Erika Ternes said her grandfather was a Navy veteran who was proud of his service to his county, but she added, “he was sorry we kept on creating more veterans.”
CCHS school counselor Kris Hoffman, who is also a veteran, welcomed all who came out.
“This is my most exciting day of the year,” said Hoffman. “I am what I am today because of those who answered a call to serve.”
Louise Abelon, a Cook County High School Special Education teacher, was the guest speaker. Her husband served in the Army for 19½ years. Abelon talked about the sacrifices soldiers and their families make, especially with the frequent moving. But Louise said she was proud to support her husband’s military duty, and added that her son is now in the armed forces serving the country.
Hoffman next introduced 2015 CCHS graduate Andy Farley, who was on speaker phone from Fort Bragg, North Carina. Fort Bragg is the home of the Army’s 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) and Special Operations Command.
“Being in the service means more than putting on a uniform,” said Farley. “It means getting to know what you are made of. “
Andy said he “hates the heat” and misses the cold and snow found in Northern Minnesota. Especially though, Andy said he missed his friends and family. When asked if he misses his brother Hunter, he responded, “Yes, I miss Hunter.”
Asked if he missed his mom, Andy responded, “I do miss my mom. When I’m not feeling good my staff sergeant doesn’t bring me chicken noodle soup like she does.”
Andy recounted many of the interesting things he is learning and getting to do in the service, especially flying in helicopters and jumping from airplanes.
Hoffman gave a tribute to Willard Nelson, the county’s oldest veteran, and then the band played all of the songs for the branches of the military, with servicemen and servicewomen standing when their song was played.
Tristen Bockovich and Jamie Johnson played taps while the Honor Guard which included commander Bob Mattson, Orvis Lunke, Wayne Johnson, Rodney Carlson and Terry Breithaupt marched with the flags from the gym.
The Friday service at the school was just the beginning. There were two meals served for veterans at Grandma Rays on Friday and Saturday, a clothing drive for homeless veterans by the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and a “Cookies for Troops” drive by the school. Gene’s IGA also served a meal to veterans to honor their service and there was a special commemorative plaque dedication to the late Don (Smasher) Wilson on the courthouse lawn at 4 p.m. on Veteran’s Day.
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