Hormel Historic Home has history of honoring military

Published 5:52 am Saturday, October 26, 2019

The Hormel Historic Home is hosting a few events in honor of military veterans this November.

Events featuring military themes are not new to the facility. In November 1942, a talk was given at the YWCA regarding different facets of  World War II.  A frequent lecturer of the day, Mrs. W.W. Remington, presented her views on the state of affairs of that time.

In her opening statement she said:

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“I almost welcome the opportunity which the American people have today to show what they are made of in this global war.  We, as a nation, thought too much of softness and pleasure while the people of other countries were suffering.” 

She presented her feeling that Americans should look upon this war in its historical aspect and feel proud of the part they could play.  Wartime would be a time of great sacrifice, Remington suggested, and she felt that our performance would determine the history of the world for many generations to come.

Mrs. Remington said that Americans had a chance to practice the things that had been in history books for generations, such as Nathan Hale’s famous statement, “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country.”

The speaker referred to the war efforts taking place in Africa, the South Pacific, the Falkland Islands, and in the Caribbean. Whether you agree with the speaker’s statements or not, she seemed well informed and knowledgeable about what was happening in the world at that time.

Our events in November will focus on giving recognition to events and outcomes of past military actions.  On Friday, Nov. 1, the HMVET group, which is a passionate group of Hormel Foods employees with interest in serving the needs of military veterans, will host a gourmet dinner fundraising event.

Chef Ken Alston has planned a unique menu featuring classic dishes like French onion soup and ribeye steak. Live jazz music will entertain guests and special raffle items will allow the group to raise funds to support Operation Welcome Home at Ironwood Springs, which offers military families camp and retreat opportunities. 

On Monday, Nov. 11, Dean Ulland will present a special Veteran’s Day program at History Happy Hour.  He will be sharing the history of Mower County Veteran’s organizations and will present the details of Jay C. Hormel’s military experience. 

I hope you will join us as we continue a tradition of honoring our military history.


HMVET Dinner and Music Event

  • 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 1
  • $75 per person. Tickets available at the HHH or online.

History Happy Hour: History of Mower County Veteran’s Organizations with special feature of Jay C. Hormel

  • 5:30 p.m. Social/6 p.m. Presentation, Monday, Nov. 11
  • Presented by Dean Ulland. Free for members of the HHH, Mower County Historical Society, or Friends of the Library, $5 for nonmembers

Historic Treasures of the Mower County Historical Society

  • 11:30-12:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 14
  • Presented by Jaimie Timm, Curator. Free.