Say thanks to a Veteran

On November 11, 2015, the Oklee American Legion held their annual Veteran’s Day program at 10:30 a.m. Commander Dean Walstad of the Frank Lund Post #159 started the program with the Color Guard advancing the colors. The Pledge of Allegiance was spoken and the “Star Spangled Banner” was played by the Red Lake County School Band.

Walstad, welcomed everyone to the program and announced Holly Vettleson, who recited the poem written by Lt. Col. John McCrae, “In Flanders Fields.”

The RLCC Band played “(Risk) Everything for a Dream” and the program continued with Walstad introducing the guest speaker, Petty Officer Second Class Luke Nelson. Petty Officer Second Class Luke Nelson served in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician. He served 6 months in Panama, 6 months in Italy, and was also stationed in Jacksonville, Florida. His wife Erica was a lieutenant and they also lived in Japan for three years. 

Nelson spoke of the feeling of belonging he experienced when he enlisted in the Navy. Along with the camaraderie of fellow enlisted men, the fact that everyone received the same “cover.” A cover is what the military calls a cap (like a baseball cap) that says where or what you are training for. As you go about your training, starting with basic training, it help you know who belongs to your group and gives you a feeling of belonging and the opportunity to meet and become friends of people experiencing the same activity as you are. You develop life-long friendships and these friendships grow as you continue moving up the ranks via training, new covers, and new friends and experiences. 

Nelson talked about the many the many places he served and the great experiences he was given by being a part of a bigger group of people willing to serve their nation. And he encouraged the young people to think about what they could learn, experience and grow by being willing to serve their nation.

Walstad introduced Kjersten Walton, who read the poem “The Things That Make a Soldier Great” by Edgar Guest.

Walstad next asked a gentleman from the audience to come forward. He introduced Matt Genova, one of Oklee’s newer residents, who presented the American Legion a donation of $1000.00. Commander Walstad thanked Genova for the wonderful donation to the Legion.

Walstad asked as for a moment of silence and RLCC student Seth Johnson played taps. 

Walstad invited everyone to the American Legion & Auxiliary members in a Pork Roast dinner at the Oklee Hall following the program. Most of the people in the audience did go over to the hall and enjoyed a delicious free will offering meal. 

Remember to thank a Veteran!