Rutland, ND

I attended the Bergman/Evenson Post 215 Flag Retirement Ceremony on Veteran’s Day afternoon behind the Legion Hall in Rutland.  Approximately 50 faded, tattered flags that have flown over the graves of veterans, or flown by homeowners or businesses were retired with dignity and honor.  A prayer was given by Post Chaplain Milton McLaen, and Post Commander Larry Christensen presided over the retirement ceremony as each flag was placed on a fire in accordance with proper flag disposal.  I was moved as I watched each flag being consumed by the flames, and as I remembered all the men and women who have so courageously served under our nation’s flag.

After the ceremony, the veterans were served a soup and sandwich supper by the Legion Auxiliary.  The Nordland Lutheran Church parish hall was festively decorated with lace-draped tables, flags and thank you cards for our veterans and their guests.  Six kinds of soup, three kinds of sandwiches and a variety of bars ensured that no one left hungry.  Sonja Christensen, Auxiliary President, gave a reading on the birth of the Pledge of Allegiance in 1892 and the changes that have been made to it through the years.  I don’t know that I had ever given much thought as to how the Pledge of Allegiance came to be.  Sonja did a good job of enlightening us all.

Earlier Tuesday morning my husband had participated in a county-wide Veterans Day Program in Forman with two other members of the Rutland Post.  The Auxiliary in Forman served them a nice lunch of hot chile.

That evening, my husband and I agreed that it had been a good day.  We had spent Veteran’s Day remembering veterans and what they have sacrificed for our country.  That’s what the day is all about.

Wednesday, July 10, Rutland took a step back in history when vintage vehicles lined the streets.  I’m not sure what car group rolled into town (maybe the Fairmount Car Club?) but it was fun to look at them. The drivers and their gals were inside the Rutland General Store having a private gathering.

Last weeks Rutland News disappeared from my computer and went ???? It went some where because my computer was never told it was undelivered…I still have a copy of the Anderson Reunion, and will summit it this week instead.

Silver Lake continues to be a very busy hub of activity…

The street dance, put on by the Lariat Bar, was a huge success on Saturday night.  They held karaoke for all those wishing to be a star for one night.  Not much dancing went on, but the stage held a singer or duet most all night. A fun time was had by all.

I thought it was springtime in Rutland already but boy was I wrong! Last evening as the rain turned to snow we got to watch a doe and her fawn walk within thirty feet of our living room.  The boys stood motionless and the deer seemed to look right at us.  The deer meanered through the trees and crossed north, disappearing into the falling snow.  I’d guess we got about 5 inches here.  If the weather makes the 60s next week as forecasted, maybe I can stir up some dirt.  Let’s hope that this time the warmth sticks around.