80th Anniversary, Battle of the Bulge
This December marks 80 years since one of the most pivotal battles of World War II: the Battle of the Bulge. Fought from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, this grueling winter campaign in the Ardennes forest tested the courage and resilience of Allied forces, including countless brave Americans. The German counterattack came out […]
Happy National Cookie Day
Celebrate National Cookie Day on December 6th with facts, tasty recipes, and short history of everyone’s favorite treat during WW2—cookies! Perfect for bakers and cookie lovers alike.
Flag at Half Mast
What do you know about Flags flown at Half Mast? Our flags on Monday, August 26th, flew at half-staff with respect for Wisconsin-born and raised Sergeant Jack Hohlfeld. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, WWII POW Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal with Foreign Service clasp, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal […]
National Dog Day
Richard I. Bong and Speaks National Dog Day This amazing photo was taken in November 1942 when Dick Bong was home. We get to see our Ace of Aces nose to nose with his good boy Speaks. August 26th is considered National Dog Day in the US. We adore dogs at the Bong Center but […]
Elementor #5887
Epic Sponsors for Veterans Trip to BWCA We couldn’t offer this amazing trip every year without our incredibly supportive sponsors. We are fortunate to have many of the sponsors return year after year. Our gratitude to them is magnified in the veterans who make the trip. It is an epic experience for every one who […]
Gone but not forgotten.
Gone but not forgotten Unique find in the Archives On August 2nd, 2024, family, friends and American Legion members gathered at the Bong Veterans Center to raise the flag in memory of Navy sailor Robert Makowski. The Bong Center and Robert’s family came together through a serendipitous turn of events. Approximately 15 years ago, a […]
Bong Center Veterans to the BWCA 2024
Journal by Duane Lasley, Images by Duane Lasley, Randy Freeman and John Gidley Monday July 22, 2024, the participants, three men, two women, group leader Duane Lasley and assistant group leader Randy Freeman met at the Richard I Bong Veterans Historical Center and departed for Ely, Minnesota around 11:30 a.m. In Ely we met with […]
Lemonade for the Legion
This one hit us right in the heart. Dakota came in Saturday with her Grandparents. Dakota had been at an event and saw our American Legion Post 435 present colors. Grandpa took the time to explain what the American Legion does for soldiers and their families. Dakota decided she wanted to help […]
Major Richard I. Bong died too young.
79 years since Richard I. Bong Died He had a winning smile, our Ace of Aces. We are remembering Major Richard Bong today, August 6th, 79 years after his passing on this date. This amazing young man sacrificed all and soared off too soon. We like this image of him, soaking up the sun, and […]