Becker resident Sam Pederson has created a unique memorial to the nation’s first responders and veterans: a fire truck, decorated with memorabilia, pictures, and symbols of those who give everything they have to serve others. 

Pederson purchased the truck from the fire dept. In Hampden, North Dakota when the department purchased a new truck and needed a new home for the old one. The truck is a very old, classic vehicle dating back to 1964, with, amazingly, only 5,000 or so miles on it. Pederson was inspired to make it into a moving memorial to first responders and military, with 9/11 being the overall theme. 

He also dedicated a section of the truck to representing the morals and beliefs of the Lions Club, since they are also dedicated to serving the community and because the Becker Lions have been an avid supporter of Pederson’s project. 

This summer, Pederson took his truck to Spud Fest, Freedom Days, and a few car shows to share the memorial he created with the rest of the community. 

“One person who saw the project said to me, ‘9/11? Nobody talks about that anymore,” Pederson said. 

But he thinks that his memorial is important.

“It’s something that we all should always remember,” he said, “just like Pearl Harbor.”

So Pederson continues to work on his truck in honor of vets and first responders around the nation.

Pederson has fixed up the inside of the cab, and replaced some of the lights and accents of the vehicle, but he said that the paint is still original. He’s decorated the sides with symbols and photos, and when he takes it to events he attaches a TV screen to the top in order to play patriotic videos. It’s an impressive sight, and clear that Pederson has put a lot of effort and heart into the project.