Posted: 7/24/07
Traveling Tomb of Unknown Soldier to be unveiled Friday
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
"We hit a grand slam in 2004 when we brought the Moving Wall (the portable version of the Vietnam War Memorial) to Hoedown Days. Each year since then, weíve been trying to come up with something that would at least be considered a home run. I think weíve got that for this yearís celebration," said Lyle Ellis of the Houston American Legion.
While searching for something unique for Hoedown 2007, Ellis heard of a Wisconsin man who built a wood and concrete replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The 3/4-size replica had six wreaths, one for each of the six theaters of operations during World War One.
The replica had just been completed, and its creator (who wishes to remain anonymous) wasnít sure how it would be received by the public. After talking with Ellis, he agreed to have the first public showing during Houstonís annual celebration, which is this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier will be transported to the Dresbach Information Center Friday morning, where it will be escorted by six law enforcement squad cars, a flag-draped caisson, and about 1,000 motorcyclists, who are part of the Minnesota Chapter of Patriot Guard (MCPG). According to Ellis, the MCPG honors fallen military personnel at funerals across the state.
The procession will leave Dresbach between 9 and 9:30 a.m., travel through La Crescent to Hokah, and down Highway 16 to Houston. The procession will take about an hour.
The tomb and caisson will be on display at the Trailhead throughout the weekend, and will be one of the featured units in Sundayís grand parade.
"The tomb and caisson will be pulled by two black horses, with a single riderless horse right behind," Ellis said. "We want to honor all of the brave men and women who have served their country, and we felt this would be a good way to do so."
How the tomb is received by the public will determine whether or not it will be displayed anywhere else in the United States, Ellis added.
The Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is just one of a number of patriotic displays and events the Houston American Legion has lined up for Hoedown Days. They include:
ïA Civil War encampment that will be set up near Trailhead Park Friday. There will be re-enactments using authentic equipment, weapons, tools, uniforms, and tents.
ïThe changing of the guard at the tomb and caisson will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday. This event will be highlighted with a flyover and air show by six World War Two fighter planes.
ïA skydiving exhibition will proceed the Hoedown tractor pull at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. The paratroopers will be landing in the park, and once on the ground, the public will be allowed into the landing area to help pack up the parachutes, talk to the jumpers and get autographs and photos.
ïA U.S. Army Climbing Wall will be set up near City Park on Saturday and Sunday for all to try. Various types of military equipment will also be on display.
"Weíre still looking for more volunteers to help guard the Travel Tomb and caisson," Ellis said. "Any Boy Scout troops, American Legions, or VFW units that would like to man the station for a half hour or hour should get in touch with the Houston American Legion.
"And anyone who might like to make a donation to help us pay for all of this is encouraged to do so," Ellis added. "To bring all of this to Houston takes a lot of money, and we certainly welcome any financial help we can get."
Persons wishing to make a donation can send them to: Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Houston, MN. 55943.
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