11/18/2008 9:23:00 AM
Speaker reminds us how much we owe our veterans
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| Speaker Carlyn Kraabel |
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| Geri Worden, Auxiliary president, and Gary Buxengard, Post Commander, with Sara Moen (represented SG Legion Auxiliary at Girls State), Rachel Gulbranson (represented Houston County Council of the American Legion at Girls State), and Thomas Trehus (represented SG Legion Post at Boys State). |
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By Jan Lee Buxengard
Community Reporter
Support for our military veterans was shown with attention and applause as students from kindergarten age through 12th grade, school staff, veterans, families of veterans and citizens of the community gathered in the Spring Grove School auditorium for the annual Veteran's Day program sponsored by the American Legion Post #249, Spring Grove.
Carlyn Kraabel, who served in the U.S. Army in the early 1960s when the war in Vietnam was heating up, kept everyone's attention while sharing stories of veterans.
Among them was his recollection as an eighth grade student in 1955 at Belgrade, Minn.
When posed with the question, "What did you eat for Thanksgiving while you were in Korea?" The veteran answered, "We shot sparrows so we had something to eat."
In November 1970, my first year of teaching at Caledonia High School, a young man came into school wearing Army green. It was Dewayne Brickman, who stated, "I hear you were in the army. What was it like?"
"I'm leaving for Vietnam, but I'm not coming back," Brickman informed Kraabel, who said to him, "That's not the way you should look at it.
"He came back and now he rests in the Caledonia Cemetery. He gave everything he had for his country," Kraabel stated.
In August 1984 I was getting ready for a farm sale when a large man wearing bib overalls from Wadena, Iowa, was having a hard time controlling his emotions.
Kraabel visited with the man and learned about the pressure he had experienced during World War II when he was in the Bataan Death March in the Philippines. He had sacrificed his health and peace of mind.
Kraabel advised the man about a program at the VA hospital in Des Moines. "They can do something for you."
Some time later, Kraabel went to Wadena and found the man. "I remember you," the man said, adding, "I took your advice and went to the VA hospital. I'm a new person now."
In another recollection, Kraabel told of asking Hollis Onsgard of Spring Grove, "What were you doing in February 1944?"
Onsgard responded, "I was trying to stay alive at Iwo Jima."
"Those memories stayed with him the rest of his life," Kraabel pointed out.
Kraabel is a tour guide with Hawkeye Stages/Legacy Tour and Travel of Decorah. On a trip with adults to Washington, D.C., Kraabel recalled meeting Ken, a veteran who was one of the first to land on D-Day. The veteran told Kraabel, "I'll start to cry if I say anything."
At the Iwo Jima Memorial, Kraabel observed Ken was shaking his head, when around the corner came a Marine with no legs in a wheelchair. Ken asked him, "Were you on Iwo Jima?"
The Marine replied, "Yes, I was."
Ken asked, "How have you resolved what you saw and experienced?"
The Marine responded, "I'll let you know when that happens."
"Sixty years had gone by and the horror of that was still with him," Kraabel pointed out.
For many veterans, he continued, "Those memories never leave them and they rarely speak of their experiences.
When Kraabel came home from the Army in 1966, he overheard his mother, Harriet, and her friend, Pearl, talking.
Kraabel was one of four in his family of six to serve in the military, and six of Pearl's nine sons were in the military. One of Pearl's sons committed suicide. He silenced the demons with a shotgun.
Pearl asked Harriet, "Why do some give so much and some nothing?" To which Harriet Kraabel responded, "I'll never know."
"There are veterans who never came back - were Missing In Action. They gave their life, and their identity," Carlyn reported.
"Many gave their youth time, and health, and peace of mind, and their life so we can live a peaceful life.
"Many who come back, go about their life and serve in the communities. These veterans are our family. We owe them so very, very much."
Staters share their experiences
Three Spring Grove students shared what they learned at Boys and Girls State last summer. The Legion-sponsored activity is a practical learning experience in local and state government.
Girls State
Rachel Gulbranson, representing the Auxiliary of the Houston County Council of the American Legion, and Sara Moen, selected by the Spring Grove Legion Auxiliary, attended Minnesota Girls State last June on the campus of Bethel College at Arden Hills.
The students participated in mock governments that were established on the city, county and state level. "I was elected to the ag and rural development committee, and on Capitol Day, I got to debate on mic (microphone) for several bills," Gulbranson reported.
"It was an overwhelming and unforgettable experience. During that short week I made a lot of memories. I keep in touch with the friends I made."
"When I thought about Girls State, I immediately said 'no,'" Sara Moen explained about applying for the opportunity to learn about government.
While at Girls State she participated on a law and order panel, a whistle-stop campaign for state positions, and mock trial. "On election day, I was chief judge of elections."
"I was part of a process and learned firsthand how it works. I'm so glad I went." While encouraging others to attend, she pointed out, "It's a chance to get out there and do things on your own and find out who you really are."
Boys State
Thomas Trehus was selected by the Spring Grove Legion Post to attend Minnesota Boys State, which was celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Held at St. John's University at Collegeville, this week-long event is the counterpart to Girls State.
After attending Veteran's Day programs in the past, Trehus admitted he didn't think he wanted to be a Boys Stater because he would have to give a speech. But, when the opportunity came along, he had a change of heart. "I have a chance to be one of these seniors to speak in front of all you people."
He enjoyed meeting all the young men at Boys State. "I was among 399 of the brightest kids in Minnesota - shaping future governors, lawmakers, and president.
"I ran for city council. I wasn't elected, but my self-esteem stayed intact. I campaigned and ran for state senator, but ended up losing, unfortunately. I was feeling like the Ralph Nader of Boys State!"
During the event, "We were surrounded by members of the American Legion. Their presence reminded us of their service and taught us respect for the flag and one another.
"It was a tremendous experience. I encourage you to be a part of the legacy. I guarantee - you won't forget it.
Following Trehus' speech, Commander Gary Buxengard commented, "I think the Trehuses have a politician in the family."
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