Pictured above are Fillmore County Veterans marching across the bridge from the Preston Trailhead to the WWI Entrance at the fairgrounds. A few hundred people were in attendance on Tuesday night, July 16, 2019, for a historical event commemorating the celebration held 100 years ago on August 26, 1919, that welcomed home the soldiers from WWI. A bonus this time was a flyover of three vintage airplanes.
A short program included emcee Staff Sergeant Nathan Pike, Olmsted County Veteran’s Service Officer, sharing the history of the WWI Memorial. The national anthem was performed by Johnny Holliday (Air Force). Speakers included Sergeant Josh Krage, Preston, representing current veterans and Col. Joe O’Connor, Arizona, representing older, retired veterans. The reading of “In Flanders Field” was presented by Hannah Schneekloth, Mabel Girls State Representative.
Other displays included the Navy Riverine Forest display from Cresco, Iowa, and the S.A.C. tow truck of Preston, with the American flag flying high. Posters of the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery and the proposed veterans nursing home to be built in Preston were available for viewing, as well.
The WWI Memorial, bottom photo, was built 100 years ago in August to celebrate Fillmore County WWI Veterans coming home from the war. Over $7,000 was raised by the Fillmore County Fair Board to help renovate the memorial.
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