A Special Decorah Memory from 60 Years Ago
60 years ago this month, on August 24, 1962, Gary's family hosted a send off for him at the American Legion Club prior to his joining the US Army after his draft number came up. As was more the custom in those days, many guests signed the book as pictured above. Gary kept this book and some favorite photos at the back of the notebook the entire time of his stateside deployment to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. The picture of Gary with the parrots at the top of the guest register is from one of his Florida trips with his mentor, Leon Brown. Among Decorah friends and family who signed that night are: Howard Smith Henry Stille Iona Finholt Ray Finhold Millie Henning Mr. & Mrs. John Reckard Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Rude Kenny Rude Ed Zahasky Tom Burreson Jody Bernatz Mr. & Mrs. Kyree Swenson Mr. & Mrs. Edgar Barth Mr. & Mrs. Roy Halse Mrs. Mebla Selland Mabel Brogrammer Lauice Smith Myrtle Juve Mr. & Mrs. David Svenson