The annual Rotary Area 3 Veterans Luncheon was held at the Bloomington Hilton Monday, Nov. 12. Rotarians and guests gathered to honor veterans, listening to keynote speaker, Col. Ken Rizer (Ret.) and emcee Brig. Gen. Dennis Schulstad (Ret.), a former longtime Rotary Club of Edina member. Schulstad was honored for his years of service to our country and participation in the Veterans Luncheon.
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2018 Veteran’s Day LuncheonFeatured Speaker: Col. Ken Rizer (Ret.)
Emcee: Brig. Gen. Dennis Schulstad (Ret.)
Invocation: Rev. Sol Grosskopf
Special presentation of the Colors by Como Park Senior High School. They opened and closed program as emcee spoke.
Rotary Brass Quintet performed as emcee announced all branches of the military separately. Each branch of the U.S. military was announced and stood separately, including: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy.
National Anthem: Angelica Cantanti Youth Choir. Young students sang accapella. Some of the most beautiful young voices you have ever heard, they also performed at the Super Bowl in Minneapolis.
Emcee Brig. Gen. Dennis Schulstad (Ret.) introduced the speaker. Some of his remarks included:
- We are a peaceful nation that has been involved in 12 wars since WWI
- Veterans Day is for all who are serving. We owe them all a debt of gratitude, a true example of “Service above Self”—the Rotary motto that every veteran has signed up for.
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith presented flags to both the emcee and program speaker. She spoke and noted that Minnesota has largest representation of armed forces per capita in comparison to all states.
Keynote: Col. Ken Rizer (Ret.) then spoke:
- Air Force Academy graduate; 25 years in the Air Force; former senior Vice President of Goodwill; Iowa State Legislature
- He was in charge of Andrews Air Force base during President Barack Obama's terms in office.
- He CONFIRMED President Obama golfed every weekend it was nice.
- Shared stories from his career that capture what Veterans Day is all about.
- His grandfather gave him golden oak leaves worn during battle of the Bulge.
- REPRESENT: all that have come before and all they have given, it is our job to carry the torch, creating a freer and safer world.
- We lose more military members in non-combat related deaths/suicides.
Meeting was planned/organized by the seven Presidents Elect from the Area 3 Rotary Clubs—Bloomington, Eden Prairie AM, Eden Prairie Noon, Edina, Edina Morningside, Richfield and South Metro Minneapolis Evenings.
Closing: Retired the Colors
