Normally when challenged to write an article for the Browser ideas smoothly flow from my brain to the key board. But today seems different despite writing this within a week of Veterans Day.

Suddenly my email notification chirped. I clicked it open and to my disappointment I immediately realized that another World War II Hero has passed from this life. It was ninety-seven year old Al Truesdell. He served our Nation as a F6F (Hellcat) fighter pilot in the US Navy. As an enlisted aviator myself, the mere thought of diving a Hellcat thousands of feet towards a Japanese Zero or a Japanese vessel must have been thrilling beyond any comparison. As with all service-personnel of that era, Al’s contribution to the war effort payed off significantly for the future of our world. He returned home triumphantly to live out a long life that contributed to the postwar economic boom and the golden age of capitalism. Rest in peace Al.

As we reflect on this Veterans Day, 99 years after the Armistice on 11/11/1918, we, the living Veterans are often humbled and without words when thanked for our service. We feel that all we were doing was what we’d been trained to do and that was simply our job. However, hard as it is for me to respond to an unexpected “thank-you,” I really do appreciate your compassion for the Soldiers who have stood their post, Sailors who have dived the depths, Marines who have taken a hill, and our Airmen who have secured the skies. We appreciate your support, please keep it up.

The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act authorized the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War by coordinating, and supporting programs of the Federal Government, State and local governments, and other persons and organizations in commemoration of the Vietnam War.

Our Brown County Veterans Council (made up of the Commanders of 9-Veterans clubs) has purchased the public performance rights to the new PBS documentary “The Vietnam War.” This 10-part, 18 hour series by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick tells the epic story of one of the most consequential, divisive, and controversial events in American history as it has never before been told on film. Visceral and immersive, the series explores the human dimensions of the war through revelatory testimony of nearly 80 witnesses from all sides — Americans who fought in the war and others who opposed it, as well as combatants and civilians from North and South Vietnam. Ten years in the making, the series includes rarely seen and digitally re-mastered archival footage from sources around the globe, photographs taken by some of the most celebrated photojournalists of the 20th Century, historic television broadcasts, evocative home movies, and secret audio recordings from inside the Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon administrations. The documentary will be screened at the New Ulm Library in succession on the following dates: Dec. 13, 14, 27, and 28; Jan. 10, 11, 24, and 25; and Feb. 7 and 8. All screenings start at 6 p.m. and will last between one and two hours. Patrons may attend sessions as they are able; it is not necessary to attend all sessions to participate. Call 507-359-8334 for more information. Additional county-wide screenings are being planned for Springfield, and Sleepy Eye. Stay tuned for more great Veterans Highlights. Thank a Vet today.