A generous donation was made during the dedication of the Coast Guard painting, and came via the efforts of Bryce Soltis, this year’s Minnesota American Legion Auxiliary Honorary Department Junior President. She started her term in the fall, and chose the Project as her fundraising project. Her enthusiasm, warmth, generosity and caring heart were on full display during the event, where she is shown, below, with Greg Zylka, Fundraising Committee Member and Mayor of Little Falls.  Bryce’s dad, Alan Soltis, and grandfather Billy Soltis are buried at the Cemetery, which made the project dear to her. Thanks to Bryce for her generous commitment, and to her and her family for attending. What a terrific young lady!

Greg Zylka, accepting a donation from Bryce Soltis, American Legion and Auxiliary Honorary Department Junior President

Coast Guard installation

The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery will host a reception Saturday, Feb 6th at 2 pm honoring the Coast Guard with the unveiling of the 8 X 10 foot oil painting recently completed. This painting is the third in a series of five, each depicting a branch of the US military (the Army and Navy are complete). Erik Sogge, Cemetery Administrator will serve as emcee. The program will include comments by  Dr. Earl Potter, President of St. Cloud State University, (Coast Guard Captain, retired). Additional comments will be shared by Little Falls Mayor Greg Zylka and the artist. An Honor Guard from the Duluth-based Coast Guard Cutter Alder will be present, along with Veterans from local Honor Guards including Sauk Rapids VFW, Rice and Waite Park American Legion Posts. Following the ceremony the public is invited to a reception at the Little Falls American Legion  Post 46 starting at 3:00 PM. Take time this Saturday afternoon to pay your respects and honor the Coast Guard.