PROGRESS • FEBRUARY 26, 2017
COMMUNITY What’s inside?
“It’s an honor. The act of being in the honor guard has probably been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done with my life.” — BILL GOETT ARMY VETERAN
Giving a deserving
TRIBUTE Serving the community Albert Lea service clubs share what they do, how to get involved. Page A3
Couple renovates bldg. The Bean is not only a coffee shop, but a place to promote businesses. Page A9
A community effort Balloons honoring crash victim began with an idea; over 100 volunteered. Page B1
Members of Albert Lea Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 447 and American Legion Post 56 work together to provide an honor guard for every single area veteran’s funeral throughout the year. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
Organizations honor area veterans through ceremony By Colleen Harrison
colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com
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Living artfully Woman practices the Norwegian form of art known as rosemaling. Page B3
ore than respect, obligation or duty; it’s an honor. Albert Lea Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 447 and Albert Lea American Legion Post 56 have been working together to pay tribute to veterans during funerals, parades and other community events for over 60 years. The group is referred to as an honor guard during funerals and memorial services, and is a color guard when it’s escorting the flag during such events as the Third of July Parade and area sporting events. The VFW — whose members are those who have served in combat zones — handle the colors while the Legion — whose members served in support but not necessarily in a combat zone — handles the rifles for the three-volley salute. Tim Donahue, a Vietnam War Army veteran, helps organize the VFW volunteers for the honor guard. Bill Goett, an Army veteran who served following the See TRIBUTE, Page A2