Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Veterans recognized for making a difference



DELANO, MN – After an enemy shell struck the USS Fletcher Feb. 14, 1945, Elmer Charles Bigelow sprung into action.

Armed with a pair of fire extinguishers but no rescue-breathing apparatus, he successfully quelled the flames damaging the cases and bulkheads, limited the damage to the ship, and lost his life in the process.

“Because of the heroics of one man, Elmer Bigelow, on that fateful day, he saved the man that one day would become my grandfather,” Sgt. 1st Class Patrick J. Holland told those gathered for the Veterans Day program Monday morning at Delano High School. “So, when I think of Veterans Day, I don’t only think of the freedoms that have been bestowed upon this country, but also the very lives my mom, my children, and I nearly never got to live.”

Holland continued by saying service to country might have different meanings to different people.

“I personally do not believe that it has to involve the ultimate sacrifice of laying down one’s life,” Holland said. “It does not have to mean being on the front lines, or even deploying to a combat zone. Service to country does not have to involve you putting on the uniform; however, choosing to do so can give you the greatest sense of pride and accomplishment.”

He encouraged everyone to be the very best they can be.

“This country did not get to where it is today by just the men and women in uniform,” Holland said. “It also took sacrifices and hard work from the civilians of this country to support those in uniform.”

In conclusion, he thanked every veteran, future veteran, and everyone who supports those who serve.

Chloe Holman also shared her thoughts on Veterans Day, as she read her essay that won the American Legion Post 377 Scholarship Essay Contest.

The theme for the contest was “On Veterans Day, what does sacrifice mean to me?” and Holman’s essay was titled “Giving Thanks on Veterans Day.”

“This Veterans Day, we should contemplate the sacrifices of all that have served and what they have provided for us as individuals and for our country, along with what we can do to aid them in readjustment to life back home,” Holman read.

She listed freedoms that she and other Americans have due to the sacrifices veterans have made.

“It is important to acknowledge and express our gratitude towards those who have provided us with these individual rights and freedoms,” Holman read. “What these people put at stake to uphold our American ideals is insurmountable.”

Holman focused not only on what veterans experience while serving, but also what they encounter when they return home.

“Many will return to their families and try to resume a normal life but, of course, for many combat veterans, their worlds have been shaken forever,” she said.

She spoke specifically of posttraumatic stress disorder, which had been referred to as shell shock during World War I.

According to Holman’s research, 11 percent of veterans who served in Afghanistan have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, and that number is nearly tripled for those who served in Vietnam.

Many veterans are also homeless, she noted.

Regardless of their situation, she believes all veterans should be recognized for the sacrifices they have made to benefit all.

“This Veterans Day, I’m reminded that the sacrifices made by these men and woman are what allow me to choose who I am, and remember that, too often, they go unrecognized,” Holman said. “These courageous men and women sacrificed everything for us. Now, it’s time for us to take a few steps in the right direction for them.”

American Legion Post 377 First Vice Commander Jeremy Christenson recognized students Michelle Tormanen and Hannah Nellis, whose essays rounded out the top three.

He also recognized American Legion Boys State participants Andrew Betzler and Trent Peterson; and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State participants Anna Blonigen, Megan Bruzek, and Alexis Oldenburg.

Christensen recognized members of the American Legion baseball team, as well.

He honored those who served and never returned home with a Prisoner of War and Missing in Action recognition.

Other features of the program included the singing of the Star Spangled Banner by Autumn Langdon; the DHS wind ensemble playing “Marches of the Armed Forces,” with those who served or had relatives who served invited to stand when each branch’s song was played; and the playing of “Taps” by student Niklas Bjorklund.

Christenson reminded those present that the reason for the assembly was to recognize everyone who has been a part of the US military in any way.

“It is your service and sacrifice that has kept our country safe and free,” he said. “No matter what branch you served in, whether you were peace time or war time, whatever your job path or how many years you served, raising your hand and committing yourself to service in the military was a brave and selfless act.”

He concluded his remarks by saying, “Remember, veterans always put us and America first. Today, we put veterans first.”

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