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November 12, 1999
County VeteransMemorial dedicatedBy SARA SYVERSON Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- It was a day to gather to pay tribute to all of the veterans from Brown County who gave of themselves for the price of freedom. Nearly 800 people attended a dedication service Thursday afternoon at the courthouse grounds for the newly constructed veteran's memorial. "We are gathered today to dedicate a memorial that pays tribute to those who served in the past and present conflicts and wars and during peacetime," said Jerome Bentz, a U.S. Army veteran, and master of ceremonies for the dedication. The program featured a keynote address by Retired General John W. Vessey, who was the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during President Ronald Reagan's term from 1982-1985. An aircraft flyover from the Minnesota Air National Guard and a salute to the colors by Burg's Battery of New Ulm was provided for the service. A military display was given by the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery headquartered in New Ulm. Patriotic music was provided by a 70-member Brown County Combined High School band. "It was a good day and everyone enjoyed it," said Bentz, "To me the most important thing was that the whole county came together for a common cause ... the freedom our veterans provided for us in the battlefield. We defeated fascism, communism. ... In democracy there are no boundaries. We can work together, all we need is skill and courage." Vessey received two invitations for Veterans Day, one from the White House and one to the dedication service. He said he had chosen to come here. "Our constitution says.. 'We the people'...the great pronoun here is 'we,'" said Vessey, "Whatever our country does depends on what 'we' can do. Only we can make a better place for all of us." The new memorial stands for what the veterans fought for their country such as a better life and freedom, Vessey said. "We truly honor the veterans today,"said Vessey, "They want us to uphold good citizenship. ...Every day we must personally choose to uphold the things the veterans fought for. The great memorial is how we live our lives." "It is a great honor to be amongst veterans today," said Major General Rodney Hannula of the 34th (Red Bull) Infantry Division. "We gather today to dedicate this memorial to all veterans. There is a common language and a common experience between veterans ... that is forged in their trials and challenges. There is no better model to follow than those willing to give their lives for the sake of the nation." Commander Dennis Schulthorp said, "There was a price to pay for us to sit in freedom like this in New Ulm. That's why there's more memorials being dedicated...it's a great tribute and how appropriate on Veterans Day." The public was invited to a reception following the dedication service held at the American Legion in New Ulm. An evening dedication service was held Thursday evening at Martin Luther College.
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