A PATRIOTIC TRIBUTE
Ernie Fessenden ends Saturday’s America 250 ceremony overlooking a sea of 1,000 American flags by performing special music on the bagpipe. He played “Dawning of the Day” and “Amazing Grace.” The special tribute took place Saturday afternoon at Owatonna Degner Airport with about 150 people attending.
-Annette Duncan, Exchange Club Vice President
While overlooking a sea of 1,000 flags rippling in the air, Shawn Mason couldn’t help but think of the proud tradition that has been instilled in his family for decades.
Mason is a third-generation veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force for six years. His father, William Alfred Jr., served in the U.S. Army in Hawaii and his grandfather, William Alfred Sr., served in the USS Texas during World War II.
He brought his two children, Ferrari and Araya, to Saturday afternoon’s Field of Flags dedication ceremony at Owatonna Degner Airport. They saw rows of waving flags in a breathtaking panorama of red, white and blue.
The flags were displayed over three days to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The ceremony honored veterans, active-duty service members and first responders.
“It’s nice to see people appreciate what this country has been over the years,” said Mason. “Too many people forget about the sacrifices that have been made.”
During the ceremony, local and state dignitaries took turns with different parts of the program. The keynote speaker was Thomas Jefferson, who was the third president of the U.S. and portrayed by Robert McComas-Wood of Owatonna. (See related story on 7A).
“Today we stand together in remembrance and unity,” said Bill Effertz, MC of the event.
Katie Smith of Owatonna, a 30-year member of Exchange, provided a special tribute to 9/11. In 2002, she has traveled to New York City to present Exchange’s Blue & Gold Award to the fire stations and police precincts in honor of their fellow first responders who died in the attacks.
“What a beautiful day to be an American. What else can I say?” Smith said as she received a big round of applause from the 150 people who attended.
“9/11 tested the very fabric of our American spirit,” Smith said. “Yet today, we stand here, unbowed and united. It was the ultimate sacrifice of our veterans, and the resilience of our community.”
She added, “Let these flags stand as a monument to our unity, a bridge over past grievances and a beacon for generations yet to come.”
Smith then led the audience in a moment of silence in remembrance of 9/11.
Annie Priebe, who represented Federated Insurance, one of the sponsors of the event, called the flag display a “beautiful sight.” She said, “it’s so overwhelming.”
Priebe pointed out how every flag is a story of service and sacrifice. “May we never forget those who have served,” she said, noting Federated placed 61 flags near its large sign along Interstate 35 to honor employees who are veterans.
Annette Duncan, who is a member of the Exchange Club, said that while people may have differing opinions, people are strongest when they unite with a purpose. “American history has been shaped by ordinary citizens going extraordinary things,” she said.
Just Friends, a musical group made up of local singers, sang several patriotic songs. The Steele County Honored Guard presented and retired the colors with Ernie Fessenden ending the ceremony with bagpipe music.
The America 250 display was sponsored by four local Exchange Clubs.