veteran’s corner
Tom Krabbenhoft
“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” – Benjamin Franklin.
Historically you can not find a country this holds more true than the United States. It has not been without flaws. These flaws are constantly addressed and changed. Much like self-improvement, one must recognize the bad behavior to correct it.
This independence day (July 4th) please take a moment and reflect on that, and cherish the freedom we have.
One of the joys of writing this column is to raise awareness to Veterans causes, issues and events.
One event coming up, the 4th of July, is taking place at Messiah Lutheran Church in Fargo. They have put together quite an event to honor Veterans. They are located right across the street from the Fargo VA.
These people have even arranged to have Veterans from across the street at the VA transported over to celebrate. Hope you can get over there and enjoy yourself Sunday the 4th of July.
Details below:
July 4, 2021 beginning at 1:00 p.m at, Messiah Lutheran Church Parking lot. Across the street from the Veterans Administration Medical Center. Theme is to honor all Veterans past, present and future.
Events include, in the church parking lot starting at 1pm.
Food Trucks
Ice Cream Stand
Games Galore for the Kids
Parking Lot Events 2:00 p.m.
Assemble Veteran Organization Color Guard Units for a small parade.
Patriotic and Contemporary Bands
Star Spangled Banner
World War II Vintage Aircraft Flyovers
Address from Major General Alan Dohrman – Adjutant General of the ND National Guard and others
Messiah Sanctuary 3:30 p.m.
Jim Gurney – MLC Music Director – 17th Annual Salute to America
Variety of Instrumental and Vocal Patriotic Music
Any Veteran that served past, present or future wear an article of clothing so you can be recognized.
The Star Spangled Banner examined a bit:
It was written during the seige of Baltimore by Francis Scott Key. Key became part of the battle unluckily. He and a companion John Stuart Skinner were on their way to negotiate a prisoner exchange with the British. They accidently heard of the British plans for an attack and held prisoner because of this.
People ask about “bombs bursting in air”. An air bursting bomb raining down destruction is more dangerous than a bomb exploding on the ground. The “rockets’ red glare” referenced. These rockets were not too much more advanced than the rockets the Chinese used almost 600 hundred years before.
The original flag seen by Key is on display in the Smithsonian history museum. It’s been refurbished twice.
A town in SD has a plaque with bragging rights of the first to adopt the Star Spangled Banner nationally.
The Navy was the first branch of the service to adopt it.
The VFW was the first service organization to lobby for its adoption.
President Hoover authorized our beautiful hard-to-sing tune be formally adopted in 1929.
Happy Independence Day everyone!
Submit a Veteran of the week or story idea 11btwk@gmail.com.