FARMINGTON PATRIOTIC DAY Thursday, November 3 2011

Veterans signed in on a large “We the People” display that will be used to memorialize the event.

Community members donated to the Farmington Food Shelf, area scouts assisted with the effort.

Community displays were part of the event including a model and information on the Farmington Area Veterans Memorial.

Over 1200 patrons enjoyed the Pork Chop Dinner, a meal supported by donations and served by volunteers.

Students at area elementary schools designed 1500 one-of-a-kind placemats for the meal.

What meal is complete without dessert? Farmington Cheerleaders were in charge of dishing out the ice cream!

A combined color guard of the Farmington VFW and Farmington American Legion presented the colors.

Superintendent Jay Haugen joined Farmington Mayor Todd Larson in providing a warm welcome.

Farmington High School students Stephanie Barnes and Ben Cline served as event emcees.

A combined choir of district fourth grade students sang “This Land is Your Land”

FHS Student Taylor Jacobson read her winning essay in the Voice of Democracy scholarship program.

A veteran stood and saluted during the playing of Armed Forces Music played by the Farmington High School Concert Band.

Colonel Kevin Gerdes provided an overview of the 34th Red Bull Infantry and their extensive history of service.

Farmington High School New Dimensions Choir presented an uplifting WWII selection.

Men of FHS Choirs sang a harrowing rendition of “Tell My Father”.

As featured speaker Dick Carroll spoke, images of his airplane and military service were displayed on the screen.

At 91 years old, Dick Carroll explained in detail the account of his capture in WWII. He was shot and still harbors the bullet in his heart

today, a truly remarkable story.

Betty Wall Strohfus was a pioneering female pilot in WWII.

Dick Carroll and Betty Wall Strohfus joined event organizer Dr. Steven Geis for a photo after the event.