Wednesday, June 15, 2011

WW II Veterans: Verdi Gilbertson From Montevideo American

WW II Veterans: Verdi Gilbertson From Montevideo American: "Verdi Gilbertson B y Judy Swenson Montevideo American News May 26, 2011 Speaking about his recent Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., i..."

Verdi Gilbertson From Montevideo American

Verdi Gilbertson

By Judy Swenson Montevideo American News

May 26, 2011

Speaking about his recent Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., in April, Verdi Gilbertson said in an exuberant Norwegian lilt, “It was just amazing! I couldn't believe the reception we got at all these places.“I thought World War II had kind of faded back … you know …”

Gilbertson was having his morning coffee with a booth full of companions at Valentino’s restaurant when this reporter caught up with him. His enthusiastic laughter and lighthearted banter were contagious. When he finally put down his latest gadget, an electronic notebook, Gilbertson described his trip, with jubilation. Well, we went on this trip and I couldn’t believe it. At the airport when we left from Sioux Falls there was a whole line up there, military people and kids.“And in Baltimore, when the plane taxied in, a fire truck was out on the runway blowing a stream (of water) over the top of the airplane. They said it was kind of like a salute. “And then, when we got off the airplane in Baltimore, the same thing. There was a big reception with people from the navy, the army and the marines, even a two-star general, laughed Verdi.”“We stayed at the Westin Hotel — talk about luxurious! I can’t believe how they treated us. I never expected that. One of my favorite parts was when all these elementary school kids showed up with their little artwork. I got a whole pile of them.“And then they wanted to take pictures with us and shake our hands. You’d think we were some kind of hero or something.“They studied it (WWII) in school and they were so congenial. I think that’s one of the big things that the young kids learn about it. To them, it’s history. “So we were maybe like historical figures … kind of like antiques,” he said, with a hearty laugh. He said another highlight was being able to have hisfamily with him. “It was like a family reunion!”Verdi was accompanied by his two sons, Greg and Keith, two grandsons, Matthew and Eric, as well as Matthew’s girlfriend, Amanda, and her mother.“That was really nice. I was glad that they could come. “Then of course you meet so many guys that I didn't know before to visit with and talk with. Of course, we didn't have a lot of time. It was only two days and we were so busy.

“We had a (heroes) banquet at the Westin Hotel in Arlington, where we stayed overnight.“Oh, talk about fancy,” he quipped. “The waiters were dressed up just real formal with ties and stuff. Cloth napkins and three forks here (gesturing toward the left of his coffee cup) and one up here.

“I learned from a long time ago, you always start from the left side,” he said, teasing. “So you’d better not make a mistake or you’d be in trouble.“The highlight was the World War II Memorial. We went to the Navy Memorial, the Marine Memorial and the Korean War Memorial and we drove by the Capitol and the White House.“I thought maybe Obama would be out on the porch up there waving, but we didn’t see him. He’s too busy, you know. I think he was in Florida at the space launch, which they didn't do. It’s the last one, you know. “So the only high ranking dignitary was Senator Dole at the memorial. I wanted to shake his hand, but there were so many people lined up. I was almost up there and he left. He’s a World War II vet. He was wounded and he can’t use his right arm. “When I was overseas I was infantry. So my job was on a mortar. “Gilbertson trained in Kentucky, North Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma and New York before being sent overseas as an infantryman. He stays busy with numerous hobbies and activities including wood carving, riding his bike, flying model airplanes and many others. He is now working on another book with his son Keith. His first book, an autobiography entitled simply“Verdi,” was published last year.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Montevideo Veterans at WW 2 Memorial




Last weekend an excited group of smiling World War 2 veterans from Southwest Minnesota hopped aboard an "Honor Flight" headed for our nation's capital . The big airplane loaded with "Heroes" departed from Sioux Falls early Friday April 29th and landed at the Baltimore airport around 11 am. For the next two days the veterans were given tours of several military service monuments in Washington DC. Throughout the day they were all given the well deserved heroes reception that they had earned through their dedicated service to our country during the war years of 1941-1945. As the veterans lingered around the WW 2 memorial many young school children greeted the them with big smiles, handshakes and hand made thank you cards. "Thanks for keeping us free" was one received by Verdi Gilbertson.
The Montevideo neighborhood of North fifth street, fourth street and sixth street was well represented.
Three of the vets, Verdi Gilbertson, Conrad Stai and Stan Folkestad live within a block of each other and George Stai is just around the corner on 4th, Milt Hoidahl is on north sixth while John Handeen lives in the country in the former house of Verdi Gilbertson's maternal grandmother.
Verdi was joined by his sons, Keith, Greg and his grandsons Eric and Matthew. Conrad's son Jerry escorted him and George's son Doug escorted him on the trip. Stan's son in law Gary Heikes traveled along with him.

News Stories from April 2011 Honor Flight

News Stories Worthington

Check back on Saturday May 7th for more photos and stories about the Honor Flight.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Verdi Gilbertson



Gilbertson trained in Kentucky, North Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma and New York before being sent overseas as an infantryman.

“We backpacked across France and Germany,” he said.

While a few of their war stories were shared on the Honor Flight journey, Gilbertson said they don’t talk about them much at home.

“Nobody believes them anymore anyway,” he said with a laugh.


100th Division Page

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Photo Collection by Keith


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