For the 18th year, Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls helped to shine a light on Independence Day by hosting a Stars and Stripes parade the weekend before the Fourth of July.

Cooler temperatures, cloudy skies and intermittent mist did not dampen the spirits of more than 125 individuals who attended the patriotic event on Saturday, June 29.

Guests enjoyed watching 41 entries travel the parade route, including businesses and organizations driving Kor-Kar Birak Shrine Indy cars, a Minnesota Army National Guard Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV, which replaced the Humvee), nine classic/muscle cars and one Ford Model A, plus people with their pets and one bottle calf named Bruce. Nearly two dozen volunteers helped to ensure that Residents and their families, as well as community members, had a memorable experience.

Jonathan Stone, Administrator, Fergus Falls Veterans Home, noted how the Fourth of July is an important celebration for local Veterans. “It focuses on the birth of a new, free nation and represents the core of our beliefs as a country: that all people are created equal and have rights including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These are the beliefs Veterans have fought for from generation to generation.”

Eric Meittunen, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Deputy Commissioner - Healthcare, reflected on how our soldiers have continuously been called to duty in conflicts around the world since the Revolutionary War. “They and their families sacrifice so much for us to be able to enjoy the life that we live here,” said Meittunen. “Many of us have been to other countries and can reflect about how different and fortunate we are to live in the United States.”

Our gratitude to those who helped make this a very special day:

• Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer
• Minnesota State Senator Jordan Rasmusson
• Retired Minnesota House of Representatives member Bud Nornes
• MDVA Deputy Commissioner - Healthcare Eric Meittunen
• Fergus Falls Elks Lodge 1093 for sponsoring the Carlisle Community Band (who provided live music before and after the parade)
• All of our parade participants

Planning has already begun for next year’s Stars and Stripes Parade. Please mark your calendars for Friday, June 27, 2025, at 2 p.m. This will be the first time the event will be held on a non-weekend date. The team is looking to create and enter both a female Veteran Resident float and a Veterans Home staff float.

We look forward to seeing you in 2025!