While investigators were trying to determine the cause of a New York airplane crash that occurred on Monday morning, anxiety for security and fury against terrorism was evident among those who gathered in the Veterans Day ceremony at Freeborn County Courthouse Monday.

Tuesday, November 13, 2001

While investigators were trying to determine the cause of a New York airplane crash that occurred on Monday morning, anxiety for security and fury against terrorism was evident among those who gathered in the Veterans Day ceremony at Freeborn County Courthouse Monday.

Those attending wondered if the crash had to do with terrorism, but unanimously pointed out the county must not yield to the violence and intimidation by the terrorists.

John Eisterhold, retired firefighter and Vietnam War veteran, said, &uot;I think prior to Sept. 11 we wouldn’t have thought too much about it, but now we have to have our doubts.&uot;

Rep. Dan Dorman (R-Albert Lea) after said, &uot;I am not sure what was going on yet, but I think from the state’s perspective it just underscores the need to take a look at security procedures.

&uot;We also need to make certain we will do it prudently without overreacting. If we overreact, the terrorists win. We need to be cautious, we need to be prudent, but we do not overreact.&uot;

Sen. Grace Schwab, who also attended the ceremony said, &uot;It is so easy to think that the democracy is really painless. But as I looked at our veterans today, I realized that they had really given themselves to make sure that the freedom we have each and every day.&uot;

Referring to the ongoing war against terrorism, Schwab said, &uot;Threats continue to come forward, and this time it hit home, what our veterans have built for our county in the past.&uot;

Many of the participants said the Sept. 11 attacks have added a new importance to Veterans Day.

&uot;I feel Veterans Day this year is more remembered and respected by the people because of current events,&uot; Legion Post 56 Commander Bill Danielsen said.

&uot;What happened this morning and Sept. 11 have created awareness in America of what the freedom means to us. I think Americanism has grown stronger with those events. It is unfortunate that many people don’t want to create more veterans, but veterans are created when they do serve the country and whatever need the country has for them.&uot;

Bob Miller, retired banker and veteran of World War II and Korea, said, &uot;I think Veterans Day is becoming more special after Sept. 11. … Anyway, everyone here today is proud to be an American.&uot;