Celebrating Veterans Day

Veterans Day lands on 11/11/11 this year, but in Red Wing celebrations will span more than a week around the holiday.

"There is a movement among the citizens of the U.S., regardless of what they think of the war, to thank the soldier that is fighting for our freedom,” one of the event coordinators, Jerry Borgen, said in an email about this year’s celebrations. “This is an attempt by Red Wing to thank our men and women for protecting our freedom.”

The day in honor of veterans and troops also is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

In Red Wing this year, the week will kick off with a ceremony recognizing the city as the newest Yellow Ribbon community in Minnesota. The program is an effort to support troops both abroad and after they come home.

Locally, organizers want to recognize veterans from every war.

“My grandfather was your typical WWII veteran. He was so proud of this nation and gave it everything he had,” said Megan Amsden from St. Brigid’s at Hi-Park, another coordinator. “He is my inspiration for making Red Wing's Veterans Day activities the best for all our local veterans.”

From dinners to shows to a care package drive, veterans, family and friends have a variety of options to observe the holiday and thank those in the military this year.

Today: Yellow Ribbon proclamation and armory open house. See the newly renovated National Guard Armory and celebrate Red Wing becoming a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community. Open house 1 to 6 p.m., program at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be available. Featured speaker is Maj. Gen. Richard C. Nash.

Nov. 7-11: Red Cross Luminary Collection, various locations around town.

Nov. 7-11: Care package for the troops drive. For a list of requested donation items, visit www.st-brigids.com.

Donations will be accepted at:

• St. Brigid’s at Hi-Park

• Republican Eagle office

• Elks Club

• American Legion

• Senior Center

• Red Men Club

• Econo Foods West

• Econo Foods Downtown

• Walgreens

• Dollar Tree

• Walmart

• Essential Chiropractic

• YMCA

• Merchants Bank

Nov. 10: Red Wing High School program featuring National Guard Unit. Students can climb the boot camp climbing wall, and National Guard equipment will be on display.

Nov. 10: Veterans Day free dinner. Veterans and a guest can enjoy a free dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Red Wing American Legion. The cost is $5 for non-veterans.

Nov. 11: Veterans Day social, dinner and program at the armory. Guests can enjoy a social hour at 5 p.m., a baked chicken and roast beef dinner at 6 p.m. and program at 7:30 p.m.

Larry Tillemans, who served during World War II and was a court reporter at the Nuremburg Trials, will speak.

Veterans can pick up two free tickets at the Senior Center or American Legion. Additional tickets for non-veterans are $12. Sponsored by Treasure Island Resort & Casino.

Nov. 11 and 12: “Strictly G.I.” show at the Sheldon Theatre. A Senior Center fundraiser, this musical recreates a soldier show from World War II using sketch comedy and songs. Shows are at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday Nov. 12. Tickets are $15 for adults and $9 for students.

Nov. 12: Assembly of care packages. The public is invited to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 580 Hi Park Ave. to help assemble veterans’ care packages.

For more information or to request a specific recipient, contact Rosie Caulkins at 651-437-8889. St. Brigid’s at Hi-Park and the American Legion will cover shipping costs.

Tags: news, military, social