‘What Memorial Day is Really All About’: Northlanders Honor Veterans, Fallen Troops Sunday
Brad Bennett said, "It's great to see the people here, knowing that there are people who want to remember what memory day really is."
Duluth, Min. - On Sunday, Northland called the "Traditional Memorial Day" at the Northland Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Lakewalk, to honor those who laid down their lives in battle.
"There are 136 names on our wall, not local luminaries and luminaries, because they are still in uniform," said Dwight Nelson, secretary of the Northland Vietnam Veterans Association.
The nearly 30-year tradition of honoring the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice by Lake Superior continued.
"It was very emotional for me," said veteran Brad Bennett. "Because I remember some people on my wall that I met who never returned it."
Last year's ceremony was short and closed to the public due to the epidemic, this year the lakewalk was filled with veterans, their families and loved ones who lost a family in the war.
Twice an injured Vietnam vet, Bennett said, "And it's good to be able to remember those who weren't fortunate enough to enjoy Memorial Day."
The Memorial honors veterans from 6 counties of Minnesota and two northwest counties of Wisconsin.
Although some luminaries may never have met those men and women at the ceremony, they say they are united in their service.
"None of us ever served together," Nelson said. "May not have the same experiences but it is a brotherhood that, I have been part of the brotherhood for 50 years."
Northland is also the foundation of the Vietnam Veterans Association that provides scholarships to students in the area.
Requirements include writing an essay and interviewing a vet about his or her experience.
The Foundation has awarded scholarships worth more than $ 92,000.
"Usually these children, their relatives who were involved in the service and many of them want to go into the medical field, which we love and want them to be involved in," Bennett said.
"So it just helps us, we feel like we're doing something positive with some money we've raised over the years," he said.
Giving back to the community, who came forward to honor those who gave everything for their country.
"It's great to see the people here, knowing that there are people out there who want to remember what Memorial Day really is," Bennett said.