Staff Sergeant Corey Gregor used the saber to salute the veterans who were honored in Minneota on Memorial Day.

“The chair is empty, they are not here,” said Veteran Byron Higgin as he presented the items placed on the small table with the white tablecloth in remembrance of the POWs and MIAs.

VFW Commander Pam Gregor, organized the service and told the audience, “We didn’t want any applause during this service. This is a solemn event held to honor those veterans who have passed away. These honored dead ... they believed in our way of life. Honor them,” she said.

Sobering moment

Tue, 05/28/2019 - 10:54am admin

When John Engels read the list of Minneota Veterans passed away, it was a sobering moment.

Engels, like others, knew many of those on the list and as he read, memories of those veterans began to float back into the conscience of those present.

"These veterans allow us to enjoy days like today (Memorial Day," said Sergeant First Class Matthew Norby of Ghent.

"We need to appreciate what we've been given," added Norby.

He talked about a personal situation that had been etched in his memory for life.

"It was February 1, 2005 in Iraq when we lost three men," said the overseas veteran. "Today, I continue to honor these men and others. I have a committment to honor these heroes," he said.

The entire message delivered by Norby was to, "Remember the fall. And don't forget their families."

When we remember, "We celebrate the life were given (though the sacrifice of others)."

John Engels read the list of Minneota veterans honored on Memorial Day as guest speaker Sergeant First Class Matthew Norby (left), of Ghent, looked on.

Sobering moment

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