Kasson resident brings back 9/11 observance

A couple of years after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Kasson began hosting a 9/11 program.
But life happens, and a little over a decade ago, the program faded away—until now.
This year on Sept. 11, a program will be taking place at 6:30 p.m., organized by a newly formed committee.
Roberta Pogalz said she enjoyed the program for many years, and over the past few years, she wanted to bring it back.
In July, she formed a small committee to bring back the event.
“We are gonna have a short program this year and, hopefully, every year after,” she said.
Pogalz said she comes from a military family, and like millions of Americans, she remembered watching the world change on 9/11.
This past April, she got to escort her stepfather, Wayne Trom, on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. The program flies veterans to the nation’s capitol to tour monuments from the wars in which they fought.
It’s what sparked her motivation to finally get the committee up and running.
“I think it’s…a big piece of history that should never be forgotten,” Pogalz said. “I mean, there was…thousands of people killed and, and people still dealing with…emotional and physical things from that day and…I don’t think we give our service people enough credit for what they do,” she said, explaining she wants to recognize everyone who died on 9/11 or from the effects of it.
The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Kasson Fire Hall, with opening ceremonies, followed by a walk to North Veterans Park.
There will be a short program with Rev. Pete Wyttenbach speaking, and Mary Mollert, Jeff Fague and Jacob Petersen, along with Enner Fjerstad, singing.
There will be rootbeer floats provided by Clems Cones and HyVee.
The committee consists of Pogalz, Mary Mollert, Dodge County Veterans Service Officer Jacob Petersen, K-M teacher and guide for Washington D.C memorials Jon Buchanan, K-M graduate and Army veteran Cody Pogalz, and Gold Star mother Melissa Halvorson.