HOT PURSUIT
Araya Mason and her sister Ferrari walk through the Field of Honor lined with 1,000 American flags Saturday afternoon in Owatonna. Their father, Shawn Mason, is a third-generation veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Staff photo by Rick Bussler
This past week we marked one of the most somber occurrences in modern day history. It was the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
I had the chance to watch some TV specials about 9/11, and the aftermath of how some people directly involved are coping a quarter of a century later. It was heart wrenching to hear their stories and how they lost their co-workers, mostly police officers and firefighters, during the rescue efforts. And, of course, we can’t forget about the men and women on the airplanes that terrorists overtook in the American skies.
While I had seen the attacks many times in the past, it still gives me chills and leaves me with tears every time I see it again.
As I shared with some people, this will likely be the most horrible tragedy most of us will experience in our lifetimes.
On Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend America 250, a powerful tribute to not only America’s 250th anniversary, but also the 9/11 anniversary. The Field of Flags at the airport in Owatonna proved to be a powerful tribute to all heroes in our lives over the past two and half centuries.
Walking among the rows of waving flags is something that’s hard for words to describe. It was a place for reflection, gratitude and unity. It was a powerful visual testament symbolizing the freedom we all, at times, take for granted.
What made it even more special was the tribute hosted by the area Exchange Clubs. They organized a wonderful ceremony with special music, the Steele County Honor Guard, special messages and the keynote from Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence who served as the third U.S. president. Jefferson was impersonated by Robert McComas-Wood.
Shawn Mason, of Owatonna, who comes from a long line of veterans, brought his children to the tribute. Mason served four years of active duty with the U.S. Air Force in Germany, Bosnia and Hungry. It was impressive to see Mason’s family sharing time together to reflect on the sacrifices he and his father and grandfather have made dating back to World War II.
A special thank you to Annette Duncan and Lynn Limberg for organizing such a meaningful tribute. Others who served on the organizing committee were Bryan Duncan, Randy Sobrack, Mary Stanley, Katie Smith, Kaylin Hanson, Kerry Much, Sharon Klein and Dom Korbel.
This effort is important to help a nation that still struggles in the aftermath of 9/11. And they’re helping citizens go in hot pursuit of celebrating Americanism and keeping our communities strong.