Barnes unveils First Responders Memorial

It was a beautiful and sunny day during a special dedication at the Veterans Memorial during Waldorf Days on Saturday, Aug. 22. The city unveiled a brand-new structure in the Veterans Memorial Garden under the flag poles, the First Responders memorial statue.

 

Veteran Charlie Barnes opened the dedication ceremony. Barnes not only donated the land where  the Veterans Memorial Garden and gazebo are located, but also spearheaded the effort to get the memorial erected. His tireless work, including attending city council meetings and doing much of the work on the gazebo himself, brought the park to its present state of progress. It has taken years to get to this point but as Barnes reminded everyone, “We’re not done with it yet; there will still be a walk of honor leading from the sidewalk to the gazebo. We’re hoping to have that installed and finished next year.” He gave an opening speech before the memorial was displayed to a good-sized crowd of around a hundred people.

 

In the Memorial Garden, behind three flagpoles displaying the POW/MIA flag, the Minnesota State Flag and the American flag, sat the statue, an eagle coming in for a landing. On the front of the structure, facing the veterans memorial is a plaque that Barnes read aloud: “The First Responders Memorial: In honor of those who served, In tribute to those who perished, In gratitude of those now serving. Courage, Strength, Service, Thank You!” These words had among them the symbols of the Police, Sheriff, Fire Department and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). There was a round of applause as participants gently removed the covering to reveal the statue. Barnes introduced the day's speaker, “Waseca County Sheriff Jay Dulas.”

 

Dulas observed, “This is such an honor to be with everyone today.” He recognized Charlie Barnes and his vision that made these memorials possible. “A memorial like this does more than mark a place, it tells a story and reminds future generations of the courage, commitment and sacrifice of the people who answer the call when our community needs them most. Charlie’s vision helped create a lasting tribute here in Waldorf that will continue to honor first responders for many years to come.

 

“Charlie, thank you for seeing the importance of this memorial and helping turn that vision into something meaningful for our entire community and all of Waseca County.” He went on to say that first responders aren’t just flashing lights and emergency rooms. Behind every badge, uniform and every call for help is a person who has made a commitment to be there when someone else is having the most difficult moment of their lives. They respond to difficult and often dangerous situations yet protect our families. Like firefighters who answer the call during all times of the day, and night. When officers are running away from danger, firefighters are seen running towards it. He also reminded everyone of the families of first responders, “How sending their loved ones into the mouth of danger has an effect on the families as well.”

 

As Dulas spoke, the sounds of children playing tag a block over accompanied his solemn words. The tink/tink sound of the flags dinging the flag poles as they blew in the wind could be heard as he spoke. Those spectators who attended the dedication listened quietly, until Sheriff Dulas concluded, “To every police officer, deputy, EMT, firefighter, dispatcher, doctor, paramedic, nurses and all emergency professionals here today, Thank You for answering that call.”

 

There was a warm round of applause as the Waldorf Days festivities resumed.