GRAND FORKS – Vets in the Park was held for the third time on Saturday, August 17, bringing together area veterans, their families, organizations that support them and civilians who support them.
East Grand Forks Mayor Steve Gander, Col. Timothy Monroe, commander of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, Erica Claus-Numsali, a local Air Force veteran, and UND President Andy Armacost, retired Air Force Brigadier General, delivered speeches.
“This event gets a little bigger every year,” said Armacost. “I’m so incredibly proud of the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks community – how we come together to provide this support to those who have served our country.”
More than 40 agencies participated in the annual event at Grand Forks’ University Park.
The organizations included those that provide mental health resources to veterans, financial assistance for those who have a physical disability after their service, and even recreational activities for veterans – such as Arts for Vets and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 42-2.
Sav Kelly/Grand Forks Herald
A few food trucks offered food and snacks, from street tacos to Polish sausage. Texas Roadhouse employees handed out bags of peanuts and free honey cinnamon butter rolls. The Salvation Army provided free bottled water.
True to their name, Kenny and the Classics played classic hits throughout the afternoon. There were plenty of fun activities including drone flying, face painting, and cornhole.
A 50/50 raffle was held, with proceeds going to homeless veterans and, hopefully, paying for an honors plane ticket, said Scott Kilde, one of the event’s organizers.
During his speech, Gander talked about how often veterans who are thanked for their service say they were just doing their job. This may be out of modesty or perhaps a desire to keep their past a secret, he said.
“So why are we here today?” asked Gander. “We’re just doing our job.”
In his view, this task consists of four parts: thanking veterans for their service, offering them friendship and a listening ear, learning how to move forward productively as a society, and providing the services veterans need at all times during and after their service.
“Thank you for ‘just doing your job,'” Gander said. “You deserve our greatest thanks. We are in your debt.”
Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski was also scheduled to speak but was unable to attend and sent his greetings via Gander.
