Patriotism evident at observance

Memories of an

elderly vet;

observations of a college student

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- As the United States observed Memorial Day, New Ulm joined in the annual tribute to soldiers who gave their lives for the nation.

The festivities included a parade through downtown and traditional ceremonies at the Soldiers Rest section of the cemetery.

The local celebration found a 82-year-old World War II veteran recalling his experiences in harm's way and a college student speaking about empathy for veterans and pride in being an American.

Separated by decades in age, but united in patriotism, the veteran told his story as he watched the parade on Minnesota Street. The college student delivered the Memorial Address at the cemetery.

The veteran

Eighty-two-year-old Leo Zangl recalled his World War II stint with the U.S. Air Force.

Zangl saw a good share of the world during his hitch. His U.S. stops included Shepherd Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas and other bases in Spokane, Wash. and Akron, Ohio.

He's never forget a two-week boat ride across the Atlantic on the U.S. Army troop transport Liberty ship J. W. McAndrews. The trip was slow (top speed 11 knots) and challenging in other ways. Several servicemen who ventured to the main deck of the ship fell overboard and were never found.

Zangl took no chances. He never set foot on the ship's main deck.

Zangl recalled smelling diesel fuel when he took a shower. The ill-fated McAndrews collided with the French aircraft carrier Bearn.

His overseas duty took him to England, Ireland and France. Zangl repaired ruptured fuel tanks on B-17, B-24 and B-25 airplanes. He would put on a breathing mask before crawling into aircraft fuel tanks to apply rubber patches to seal holes.

"Thirty minutes inside the tank was all we could stand," Zangl said. "Some guys had trouble with that much."

His military pay was $21 per month 60 years ago. Back then, a carton of cigarettes cost 50 cents. A bottle of beer cost 10 cents.

Returning home after the war, Zangl worked as a mechanic for 26 years for Borchert's Standard Oil station at Third North and Broadway. After that, he processed butter for a decade at Associated Milk Producers Inc.

The student

University of Minnesota Morris sophomore Tim Hellendrung of New Ulm gave the Memorial Address at the cemetery.

Hellendrung said it was difficult from his shoes to know what it was like to go to war and see carnage. He quoted the late Dr. Martin Luther King, "a man that would not die for something is not fit to live."

Describing his reaction to a visit to the Brown County Museum, he said he felt that history surrounded him.

"I cannot truly relate to those that struck their patriotic necks on the line except to read the books and watch movies," Hellendrung said. "We must all feel empathy for the dedicated, disciplined, proud and compassionate men and women that fought in combat and served our country."

Hellendrung urged the audience to display their patriotism by posting signs supporting troops and by flying the flag -- things he said would undoubtedly be important to a service member preparing to ship out.

"I'm proud of the freedom veterans have given me and I'm proud to be an American," Hellendrung said. "God bless you and God bless America."

The ceremony

As part of the observance, a moment of silence was held for all deceased veterans in Brown County for the past year. The somber notes of "Taps," played by Dennis Buck with an echo played by Roman Kahle, stirred memories of departed soldiers.

The service concluded with the singing of the national anthem in which the audience joined the Concord Singers in voice to the accompaniment of the Municipal Band.