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The flags lining the driveway to the Rochester International Event Center were standing at attention to honor the veterans arriving to celebrate Veterans Day, Monday, November 12. The strong winds were blowing the flags straight out in a salute to the veterans. The blowing snow and biting cold outside seemed to enhance the warm atmosphere inside. More than 600 people came for the breakfast and ceremonies that followed to honor our veterans. Honor Guards from VFW Post 1215, Korean War Club Veterans, Rochester Police, American Legion Post 92, Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office, and Marine Corps League Thor Det. 606 all took part in the ceremonies.

The Mazeppa Veterans Honor Guard posted the colors. The National Anthem was sung by Officer Carrie Koehler of the Rochester Police Department. Betsy Singer, KAAL TV news anchor, was Master of Ceremonies. This is the first year the event has been held at the Rochester International Event Center. Most recently it was held at New Life Worship Center.

“Joe Powers offered his facilities,” said event organizer, Wayne Stillman. “New Life Worship Center has been great with us. There is a group from New Life working here today.” Joe Power’s team has been catering the food for the event at New Life Worship Center for a number of years. Holding the event at the Rochester Event Center helped make the food preparation and serving more efficient.

“It’s a team effort,” Joe Powers Jr. said. “My brother works at the Canadian Honker and my uncle runs the Ramada and Honker Catering.” According to Powers it is all in the preparation for the event that makes the event itself fun. The 40 volunteers make the event run smoothly. The food is donated by Joe and Chris Powers. “We think it is a great cause,” said Joe powers Jr. “Freedom isn’t free.” The event center is filled with the sound of voices as stories are shared and people reacquaint with old friends.

Bill Harreld of the Quality Culture Institute said, “It is about freedom in the United States of America. I think our priorities have been slipping and this brings it back. It is our responsibility to keep it free.”

Harreld, who spent four years in the Navy, said, “I think of the little girl in Pakistan who was shot because she wanted to go to school. I have five daughters and I can’t imagine them not being able to go to school.”

Bud (Bernard) Leitzen and his wife Ione shared his story. Leitzen served in the 38 Infantry Division in Philippines. Leitzen prayed every night using a prayer book given to him by his mother. A friend heard him praying and said he would like to pray but didn’t know how. So, Leitzen helped him out and gave the man his prayer book. “The man asked me what religion I was,” Leitzen said. “I told him I was Catholic. Later we found out he became Catholic.”

Recently, the man from Texas was entering hospice and his son found the book while going through his father’s things. He found the book with Leitzen’s name in it and called and asked him if he would like the book back. The book is back in the hands where it started over 60 years ago.

Each veteran has their own story. Sometimes it is difficult to get them to talk about their experience while serving this country. They are very humble men and women.

Parker Rosedahl, a young man with the Civil Air Patrol who’s goal is to join the military, summed up the event this way. “It is great to see all the Veterans,” Rosedahl said. “To brush shoulders with great men and women who have made my home safe.”