On Monday night, while driving through Keystone, I recognized the uniforms of the Danish soldiers who are working with South Dakota’s and other state’s Guard units this summer.

I couldn’t resist stopping to visit with the soldiers and telling them a little about the plans that we have to recognize the 70th Anniversary of the rescue in Denmark at Mount Rushmore on Saturday, September 28th.

(I spoke on this subject at the annual ELCA conclave in Sioux Falls last Saturday and was pleased with the reception. There will be more on this story in upcoming blog posts.)

As I visited with the soldiers, I became more and more impressed. They were well aware of their country’s history—proud their country saved all of the Jews that lived there—and were aware of their people’s heroic actions. I sometimes wonder if our children are as aware of the sacrifice, daring, and bravery of the people of the United States during the Second Word War.

When I told the soldiers that I hoped to get their queen to come to the event they clapped their hands and said “Oh, that would be wonderful.”

It’s a wonderful world that young men like these are committed to the service of their country and our shared values. One of the sergeants gave me a shoulder patch and it was exciting for me to see the coyote of the South Dakota Guard, which I once wore on my own uniform, paired with the coat of arms of the Danish Home Guard.