Local Veterans Day program honors local veterans and families

Sara Guymon, Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Minn.
·4 min read

Nov. 11—ROCHESTER — Friends, families and veterans gathered together to honor and celebrate those who fought for our freedom.

The local Veterans Day program took place at the International Event Center in Rochester on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. Members of the community, veterans and their families enjoyed a free breakfast and program.

The program has been organized by Wayne Stillman, the founder and former president of the Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial. An Army veteran, he has been organizing the Veteran's Day program for around 23 years.

"They tend to make it about me, and it's not about me," said Stillman. "I have people that help me. We got 10 people serving. I was out here yesterday with four or five other girls decorating. There's so many people involved. Yeah, I don't like the attention. I get enough credit."

For Stillman, this event is a way to honor all Veterans and their families. He wants all the attention to be on the detailed program and not on his efforts bringing it all together. He thinks if anyone should be thanked it would be the Powers family. Joe Powers, owner of Powers Ventures, donates the event space for the Veterans Day program and provides the free breakfast for all attendees.

"They're the one that put us all on," said Stillman. "I just put the program together. If we're going to do it, do it to honor and remember our veterans. We've got Memorial Day to remember those that gave their lives and sacrificed. This program here is to honor all veterans."

The program honored every branch of the military, their families, Gold Star families, prisoners of war and others. Rochester Mayor Kim Norton and State Sen. Carla Nelson both spoke during the program, expressing their pride to honor the members of the community who have served.

Among the honorees was Kenneth Axelson, the only World War II veteran in attendance. He is 99 years old and was a medic in the 101st Airborne Division. He was present at D-Day and at the Battle of the Bulge, where he was captured.

"He marched in Germany as a POW and at 99 and a half years old, I'm sure it's still like it was yesterday," said Chad Stowers, retired Army veteran and emcee of the program. "He was liberated on his 21st birthday. The reason we're free today is because of a man like that right here."

Axelson was given a standing ovation.

The program also went on to honor other prisoners of war, poignantly signified by an empty table with a single chair set up in front of the stage. It was called the Missing Man Table. It symbolized all of the missing comrades and arms, and was a way to signify that they are still here with us in spirit.

"We should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation's call," said Robert "Pasta" Langanki, a member of the POW/MIA Riders Association. "The table that stands before you is a place of honor. In setting this table it acknowledges those missing today and we remember them. The table is small and is set for one, symbolizing the vulnerability of a loyal prisoner against his captors."

The Missing Man Table was set up with a white tablecloth to symbolize the purity of intention in responding to the nation's call to arms. The wine glass is flipped upside down as those are unable to cheers with the community. There is also a lemon slice and grains of salt on the plate to signify the bitterness and suffering and the tears shed from the families. The last items on the table include a candle and a yellow ribbon to represent the everlasting hope of a reunion with the missing soldier.

The hour-long program included three songs sung by Brad Boice, an Elvis tribute artist and former lead singer for the popular rock band Gemini. Terry Throndson, founder of Bells for Eternity and current president of Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial, rang the Bells of Eternity 11 times at 11 a.m. to honor the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the Armistice that ended World War I.

The program concluded just after 11:30 a.m. with Gene Eiden playing taps. Community members can expect this program again next Veterans Day as a way to continue honoring those who have served their country.