Red Wing High School, Hiawatha Valley Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Red Wing American Legion Post #54, and Minnesota State College Southeast Host Community Veterans Day Program—November 8—9:30-10:30AM—Red Wing High School
Corporal Gudmund Christopher (“Sonny”) Johnson, Jr. left Red Wing at age 17 to serve in the Korean War. Until just recently, no one ever knew what happened to him, only that he never returned home and was listed as a POW/MIA. In 1950, during the Korean War, Johnson was captured by Chinese forces. Sadly, he died in a prison camp, and though his remains were returned to the United States under “Operation Glory” at the end of the Korean conflict, they were not identified until August 2019. Only through family DNA samples was the mystery solved.
“This will be a very special opportunity for our local community to welcome home one of its own from the Korean War,” said Lance Garrick. “We will pay tribute to the sacrifice of Gudmund Johnson, Jr. and honor his remaining family at the third annual Veteran’s Day Commemoration.” Red Wing High School Band, a cappella choral ensemble Ovation, and Minnesota State College Southeast Patriot Brass will provide live music for the special event. Veterans, service members, families, and caregivers are invited to stay for a Social Hour after the Veterans Day Commemoration. Marine Corps Vietnam Combat Veteran Lieutenant Colonel Richard Johnson will “saber cut” a cake, and cookies and coffee will also be served. Everyone is welcome to attend, and all service members, veterans, and their families are invited to sit in a reserved section of seats on the floor of the Sonju Gymnasium
The funeral service for Corporal Johnson will be held at 11AM, Saturday, November 9 at the Mahn Family Funeral Home in Red Wing with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at St. John's Cemetery with full military honors. The funeral is open to veterans and their families.
