HONORING A WAR HERO

If you ask Jake Larson who he is, you’ll likely get a response that comes as a surprise and has nothing to do with his celebrity status.

“Who am I? I don’t even know,” said Larson in introducing himself to a crowd of hundreds Aug. 15 at the opening ceremony of the Steele County Free Fair. “I’m just a farm boy from two miles west of Hope, Minnesota. Born and raised on a farm, no electricity, no running water, milking 32 cows every morning, every night. That’s who I am.”

But Larson is a 100-year-old World War II veteran who survived D-Day on Omaha Beach and has gained significant notoriety, especially in the last year. He has become a legend under the name “Papa Jake” on social media by attracting more than 600,000 followers on TikTok.

He returned to his home in Steele County last week for the fair. He was born on a 160-acre farm near Hope on Dec. 20, 1922. He attended Ellendale High School.

During the ceremony, Larson shared how lied about his age when he and a cousin joined the National Guard at 15 years old. Larson said they went into the Guard interview knowing all they could do is kick them out. When the recruiter came out and asked, “What can I do for you young men,” Larson thought, “Wow, there’s hope.” He told the recruiter he was born in 1919. Within minutes, the recruiter showed Larson where to sign and he became a member of the Guard.

“I’m here to tell you, I am not a hero,” Larson said. “Those guys that gave their lives so I could make it, they're the heroes. They’re right up there now listening,” he said pointing to the sky.

In addition to Larson’s speech, several local dignitaries joined in the celebration to honor the war hero. They included: Owatonna Mayor Thomas Kuntz, State Sen. John Jasinski and District Court Judge Ross Leuning, who runs the Veteran’s Treatment Court for southeastern Minnesota.

“I’m the luckiest mayor in the world,” said Kuntz, who is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. “It’s hard to get veterans to share their stories,” he said, adding it’s “very rewarding” to have someone like Larson who is a century old.

Leuning shared how he started a veteran’s court in Steele County to help veterans caught up in the legal system stay out of jail or prison. He said he recently shared Larson’s TikTok with veterans who he never saw smile before until the clips were played.

“You have a magical ability to touch and inspire people,” Leuning told Larson. “You are a wonderful role model.”

The judge made Larson an honorary member of the local veteran’s court. Leuning shared a certificate and challenge coin with Larson during the ceremony.

Larson declared himself the oldest mentor in the nation.

“I don’t think anybody can stand up to me,” he said. “I don’t have an ache of pain. Somebody up there likes what I’m doing—that’s why I’m still going.”

Sen. Jasinski, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1986-90, said more people should serve in the military.

After the ceremony, Larson autographed his book, “The Luckiest Man in the World,” and took pictures with fairgoers who greeted him.

Larson’s service took him overseas to Northern Ireland where he became operations sergeant and assembled the planning books for the invasion of Normandy. After D-Day, he continued his duty through the Battle of the Bulge.

Larson shared how the Council of General Belfast has declared March 18 as Jake Larson Day in Northern Ireland.