Members of area American Legion and Sons of the American Legion posts took part in the observance of Military Day at the Benton County Fair on Sunday, Aug. 9.  A highlight of the event was the appearance of the travelling half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., which was dedicated on Veterans Day in 1996 as “The Wall That Heals.”

 

Since that day, The Wall has visited more than 400 American cities and towns around the nation, helping to heal thousands of veterans who were unable to cope with the prospect of visiting the memorial in the nation’s capitol, allowing the m to begin the healing process in their own home towns.

 

The ceremony at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids included a march by local veterans, and guest speakers including Sartell Mayor Joe Perske and St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis.  “Our service and gratitude is with those who serve and those who have served this nation – God bless this community and God bless the United States of America,” Kleis said in his comments.

 

Among those taking part in the program were Clear Lake American Legion post members Bud Stimmler, Chad Elred, Commander Bruce Wipper and Lonnie Suckert, Clear Lake Sons of the American Legion member Brayden Braun and Becker American Legion post members John Riebel and Fred Klein.