Oklee American Legion Post 159 Memorial Day Celebration Program
Tue, 06/08/2021 - 11:42am
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Monday morning there was much activity at the Red Lake County Central school as the people gathered for the annual Oklee American Legion Memorial Day program in the gym.
Promptly at 9:30 a.m. the Post #159 Color Guard marched forward to advance the colors. Chaplin Don Stenberg gave the invocation and the audience sang "My Country Tis of Thee" accompanied by Erin (Melby) Crawford.
Special music was presented by Simone Crawford on the piano and Clifton Crawford, accompanied by Erin Crawford on niece's guitar.
Commander Rick Dulka welcomed everyone and spoke about the importance of what veteran's have given to our country, serving not only at home but around the world. Commander Dulka also said that if someone was missed and needs to be on the list, to contact any member of the American Legion.
Commander Dulka invited Karena Melby to do a reading and the Honorary Roll Call was read by the members of the American Legion. WWI - John Lerohl, WWII - Don Stenberg & Jan Dulka, Korea - Vincent Dessellier, Vietnam - John Lessard, Cold War, Persian Gulf to present - Jan Dulka and the Auxiliary - Ginny Stoneouse.
Bruce Bjerklie talked about the POW/MIA Table that was displayed. Everything on the table has a meaning and emphasizes the loss we all feel when a loved one is a prisoner of war or missing in action and are never forgotten.
The Thief River Falls Quilting Guild did a special presentation of Quilts to Norman Nelson and Delton Sebenaler. Norman was present but Delton was not present, a photo of him with his quilt will be taken and put in the paper at a later date. His wife Dorothy Sebenaler accepted the quilt on his behalf.
Commander Dulka also asked Ron Hegge to come forward to present to him a certificate of Continuous Membership for 50 years as a dedicated member of American Legion Post 159.
Noah Hanson played Taps at the end of the program, which touches everyone as they listen solemnly.
After the program the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 159 served coffee and bars.