Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota seal time capsule to mark 100 years
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Members from the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota gathered at the Veterans Service Building in St. Paul to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the organization.
Paul Wojahn, 104, was among the veterans present.
Wojahn is a World War II veteran and served in the Pacific Theater from 1943 to 1945. He has been part of the DAV since 1983 and is the commander of chapter 15 in New Ulm.
“I just enjoy the fact I’m able to get up and keep moving and stay active,” Wojahn said.
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The DAV collected artifacts from its chapter leaders to be placed inside a wooden box. Memorabilia included pins, letters, pictures and other documents. Wojahn was the first member to go up. He placed the organization’s original 1925 charter inside the box.
The DAV also created a booklet detailing the history of the organization. It was during that process, that the idea for the time capsule to honor the group’s centennial — to gather scattered pieces of history — came about.
“It made us realize that we didn’t have everything kind of at one place,” said Anna Long, spokesperson for DAV of Minnesota. “It kind of made the department stop … and (we) realized this is something we can do, especially (on) the exact day the department turns 100.”
The DAV supports around 19,000 members statewide, providing services through community donations. John Walker, commander of the DAV of Minnesota, said the service provided to veterans, advocacy and lobbying legislations “has really grown.”
Walker has been a member since 2009. He served in the Mississippi National Guard Infantry from 1974 to 1979.
“My emotions are so high right now, just seeing all the veteran organizations here. Just the support shows you how we work together, whether it’s the American Legion or the VFW. We’re all here to support the veterans,” Walker said.
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