Veterans Day is always a big day in our area, and this year was no exception. Last year all celebrations were canceled because of COVID-19, but for Veterans Day this year they pulled out all the stops.
The Garretson School in conjunction with Henry G. Fix Post #23 hosted a Veteran’s Day program for the public, organized by former GHS Teacher and Post Americanism officer Bob Bennett. With a student-led ceremony and performances from the High School choir, Elementary choir, and GHS band, there was a large crowd of parents and veterans in attendance.
At the Legion Dugout later that evening was a smaller crowd, likely due to the high winds, freezing rain and ice with sleet and snow that had begun to fall. Even so it was a good crowd by dinner time. Lori Luke sang and led those gathered in song.
The Legion Auxiliary was celebrating their 100th year anniversary, and had gathered historical records and artifacts to show all those gathered, from photographs of Gold Star Mothers to the minutes of the first year as well as Post Newspapers from the 1920’s and 30’s.
The Veteran asked to speak this year was Arden Sorenson. As he is shy about public speaking, he let his son Matt Sorenson do the talking for the most part. Arden and Matt were on the recent Midwest Honor Flight #7 that several Henry G. Fix Legion members took part of.
“It was a great honor and a privilege to go,” said Arden.
Though Matt himself is not a veteran, he has had a distinguished career in the Minnesota State Patrol. He spoke about what an honor and a joy it was to go with his father to Washington, D.C.
“The ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was perhaps my dad’s favorite part of the whole trip,” Matt said. “The dignity, respect and professionalism of the guards honoring our dead heroes, honors our living ones too. It puts a tear in my eye just thinking about, and the whole trip too, how much joy it brought my dad. And the Post raising 15-grand for a future honor flight, that’s just amazing and everyone here has a lot to be proud of. Our Veterans are in good hands, and they know you truly care for them.”
Commander Tony Grandy gives Jeff Sylliaasen and Marty Lubke 5 service awards. Right: Matt Sorenson
Veterans Day Program 2021 at the Garretson School
Legion Commander Tony Grandy also gave service commemoration awards to Marty Lubke and Jeff Sylliaasen, which are given out for every 5 years of service. The big award given out during this Veteran’s Day program was to Frank Koens, who was awarded a lifetime achievement award for 55 years of service to the American Legion Post #23 in the Honor Guard!
Koens spoke only briefly, but was humble and thanked his fellow veterans for the privilege of serving with them. It was a wonderful way to end the program, the spirit of fellowship and camaraderie high.
