BP gives veterans a big salute
It was a crowning moment as Blooming Prairie American Legion Commander Bob Ingvalson remarked, “Memorial Day is a pretty big day.”
Ingvalson, who played a key role in the many Memorial Day activities on Monday, May 30, was helping clean up the BP Servicemen’s Club after a full day of tributes paid to veterans everywhere.
He was referring to Quilts of Valor presented to 10 Blooming Prairie area veterans as the highlight of the day.
Ingvalson also cited the impressive Memorial Day service led by the Blooming Prairie Honor Guard and the Blooming Prairie High School band at the Blooming Prairie Cemetery. Rev. Mike Walerius of the First Lutheran Church of Blooming Prairie delivered a touching Memorial Day address.
After the BP Honor Guard fired a 21-gun salute, the BPHS band played “Taps” and capped ceremonies with the National Anthem.
The BP Servicemen’s Club hosted more than 200 who enjoyed a tasty ham dinner.
Joyce Johns, president of the Blooming Prairie VFW Post 878 Auxiliary, welcomed visitors. Auxiliary vice president Bev Hoveland offered the dinner prayer.
VFW Auxiliary Voice of Democracy and Patriotic Art chair Diane Nelson presented recognition to winners of both contests.
First place Voice of Democracy winner was sophomore Molly Robbins. She received a $100 award. Second place winner Chloe McCarthy, a junior, received a $75 award. Robbins read her Voice of Democracy essay and received loud applause in approval.
Junior Joie Ruhter earned the first-place award of $100 for the Creative Patriotic Art contest. Melanie Winzenberg, a senior, placed second and wins a $75 award.
Ingvalson gave out four coins to 2022 graduates who are entering military service: James Wohlferd, U.S. Marine Corps; Graci Svoboda, U.S. Army; Sam Skillestad, U.S. Air Force and Tyrone Suhl, U.S. Navy.
Next on the program, Tom Peterson of the Sons of the American Legion gave an update on the BP Veterans Memorial project. He asked everyone to guess how many pavers were placed on the Memorial. Currently, the total stands at 530.
Peterson saluted his Veterans Memorial committee members and singled out Marilyn Meshke, Joyce Johns, and Chris Butler for their work on the Memorial and on the Quilts of Valor project.
“Blessed be the memory of those who have fallen,” said Peterson. “Every vet has a touch to Blooming Prairie and we will never forget.”
Peterson said he is still working on a project to pave the area next to the BP Veterans Memorial. He said he received a bid three years ago at $36,000. Just recently a bid of $51,000 was received.
Winners of the Quilt Raffle, with proceeds going to the Memorial, were Janet Drake of Watertown, So. Dak., first prize-74 x 72 quilt; Martha Walters of Blooming Prairie, 2nd prize-$100; and Mark Detlevsen of Blooming Prairie, 3rd prize-$50.