Oklee Memorial Day program

The Oklee Memorial Day program was held on May 28, 2018 at the Red Lake County Central High School in the gymnasium. Erin (Melby) and Simone Crawford were providing the prelude music as everyone came in and got seated. 

The American Legion Color Guard from Post 159, presented the colors. Chaplain Don Stenberg gave the Invocation.

The audience was asked to sing “My Country Tis Of Thee” and were accompanied by Erin Crawford.

Commander Rick Dulka of Post 159 addressed the audience and read a letter he had received about the history of some of the men whose names are read every year. It was a touching letter and Dulka asked for the community to continue bringing the histories of the men who served in the wars. A book for this history will be created and it is important to keep the memories and history, to not allow it to be lost in the future.

Commander Rick Dulka also honored the writer of the letter he read, stating that this person had been a member of the American Legion longer than Dulka has been alive. He then announce the writer’s name and gave recognition to Elmer Hanson. 

Special music was presented by Sydney Melby and Clifton Crawford. Sydney play her guitar and sang with Clifton. 

Jan Dulka read a description to the audience explaining the significance of the Missing Man Table setting in front of the stage. The table is set up in a specific style and each item at and around the table has a specific meaning. The table, set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her suppressors. The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms. The single red rose in the vase signifies the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. This rose also reminds us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep the faith, while awaiting their return. On the back of the chair is a POW/MIA flag. The flag is a powerful reminder that the remains of some 78,000 Americans are unaccounted for from World War II, 8,100 from the Korean War, 1,800 from the Vietnam War, 120 from the Cold War and one from the Gulf War. A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate. The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait. The glass is inverted. They cannot toast with us this night. The Missing Man Table is a very solemn event. 

Allison Aakhus, also performed a patriotic song at the Oklee Memorial Day program.

The Honorary Roll Call was read by Vincent Dessellier, Elmer Hanson, Jan Dulka, Rick Dulka, John Lessard and Barb Melby. 

Commander Rick Dulka also reminded people to please let him know if a name is missing or spelled incorrectly. And to please send in their histories so it is not lost forever. 

The American Legion Color Guard retired the colors and a shadow taps was played by Noah Hanson and Gunner Sandeen, where one plays and the other is the shadow, playing a note behind as if an echo. Very solemn and beautifully done.