The Crookston Veteran’s Council (American Legion Post 20 and Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1902 and Auxiliary, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 14 and Auxiliary, and the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee) hosted its annual Memorial Day Services on Monday, May 27.
Services were at Hafslo Lutheran Church Cemetery and St. Peter’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Gentilly. There was also the program at Oakdale Cemetery and the Sampson Bridge Naval Service.
KROX broadcast the Oakdale Cemetery Service and the speaker was Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson. There was also special recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. 2,709,918 Americans served in uniform in Vietnam. 58,200 were killed, with five of them only being 16 years old. The oldest was 62 years old. 75,000 soldiers were severely disabled, 23,214 were 100 percent disabled, 5,283 lost limbs, and 1,081 sustained multiple amputations. 1,601 service members remain missing and unaccounted for.
Three area servicemen who were killed in Vietnam were honored and recognized.
Duane Michael Normandin of Gentilly died May 5, 1968.
Dennis Keith Anderson of Crookston died on May 15, 1968.
Robert Anthony Bye of Euclid died on February 3, 1969.
The final recognition was the late Kim Samuelson. Kim was the owner of RBJ’s Restaurant and was a big supporter of the Memorial Day Services and her family donated money to keep the services going.
CLICK HERE to listen to the Oakdale Cemetery Program
Pictures from the Oakdale Cemetery program and the Sampsons Bridge Naval Service are below.
