This past week was almost like a blur.  It went by so fast with things going on between work and outside of work.  Obviously, a day I was surely looking forward to, Thursday November 11^th seemed to take a long time to get here, but when it came up, just like anything well worth the wait – it goes by fast! 
The official preparation for the day started with packing to stay at “Hotel Philion” (my parents’ place) on Wednesday night.  After a state showcase show our radio stations aired at 6pm that lasted until about 7:20pm, it was time to head out.  About an hour trip went pretty quick.  Not because I was speeding, just a lot of thoughts for the day to come. 
I was looking forward to seeing the guest speaker, John Kriesel and his family, along with everyone else that was part of the special day in Red Lake Falls & Oklee, MN. 
When the morning came, it felt like a day I was going to be taking part in a run.  The nerves started to roam through my body, more and more thoughts were shooting through my mind…more so just to make sure everything is prepared and done up right for the students, staff and community members who would be at this ceremony.  The program was already made up, who was going to be talking when, and how things were going to roll.  They rolled exactly how we planned it out, which made for a great day! 
8:45am was the official start time for the RLF ceremony – which I guess wasn’t EXACTLY at 8:45 to start.  We got going closer to 8:50, but five minutes off isn’t bad.  The program rolled along just fine.  It all started with the American Legion Post 22 bring the color guard forward, then the playing of the National Anthem, which you can view/hear at the proper link listed below.
When the speaking started, it was about time for me to head up and introduce the keynote speaker.  From the start of the introduction, John’s speech and the presentation I gave for John – that lasted around 33 minutes, which seemed only like five minutes.  The presentation I gave, was my flag I’ve used for the last four year – over 20 events, including 10 half marathons, a full marathon, a 20-mile (80-lap) specialty run along with a one-mile Remember the Fallen Tribute run last summer, all while carrying this 3’x5’ American flag.  I felt it would be something special for John and his family to have.  A flag with lots of memories for me personally, that has been through so many experiences.  I know it’s in a great spot now.
You don’t realize how focused in the moment you are until everything is done, people are cleared out and you step back for a second to take it all in on what just went on.  It was awesome!   I’ll have the link for the intro/speech/presentation at the bottom of this blog for you to check out too. 
After the ceremony, the Q&A and quick visit with the Rystads, Kriesels and my own family, we headed over to Memories Café to grab some lunch.  They were so great with our group knowing we had to leave by noon, when we arrived around 11:15am.  They got our orders quick, cooked them up quick and made it really easy for us.  If you’re in Red Lake Falls, stop into the Cenex station, that’s where Memories is located…great “home cooked” food, made quick and friendly service of course!
After that we made our way to Oklee, MN where Red Lake County Central High School is located.  Another similar presentation was given at this high school too, minus the presentation I gave at Corey’s and my alma mater in Red Lake Falls.   The emcee did his introduction, some music was provided, a couple poems read and then it was intro/speech time once again.  There is some video of the Oklee ceremony listed below as well. 
That night, there was an informal Q&A – meet and greet type event in Red Lake Falls at the American Legion starting at 7pm.  Due to playoff time and schedule conflict I wasn’t able to be there, but my dad mentioned that it was a good turnout, which I was happy to hear.  John sold quite a few books between both Red Lake Falls & Oklee at the schools and the Legion club.  That was also nice to hear!  His book, entitled “Still Standing” is available for purchase on his website: www.stillstandingstory.com  If you want a copy of this book that outlines the events that John and his fellow soldiers went through as a group and how they made our country better, along with Iraq’s country providing their expertise through the Army National Guard, buy it!  It’s well worth the price.
Overall, things were good throughout that day.  I couldn’t have asked for a better response from the students and community members at both locations.  They were very, very respectful towards John and all of the war vets that were on hand at the ceremonies.   Don’t let Veteran’s Day be the only day that you thank a veteran.  Try to do that more often.  They don’t fight to defend this country only one day of the year, so why not shake their hand when you see them, or even just tell them “Hi.”  They respect you by serving their country; show these men and women a little extra respect when you get the opportunity. 

As mentioned, the links for the above videos from Veteran’s Day are as follows:

John’s Veteran’s Day speech along with my presentation at RLF: www.vimeo.com/16804373

National Anthem at RLF Veteran’s Day program: www.vimeo.com/16806125

Oklee Introduction of John: www.vimeo.com/16806214

Big thanks to my dad, Steve Philion for taping what you see here in these videos during both ceremonies! 
Thanks for being there if you were able to make it to either or both events and thanks to all who helped make them possible!!