Meet Your Neighbor

Gary Petersen

May 29, 2007

Army and Air Force Veteran
American Legion Post 333

Early Saturday morning, Gary Petersen was busy directing members of Boy Scout Troop 47 as they placed flags by the graves of veterans buried in Sacred Hearts Cemetery.

It's an annual activity Petersen and his fellow American Legion members take very seriously. Having served themselves, they want to give proper honor to those whose lives were marked by service to country.

In his own case, Petersen served first in the Army Reserve, having enlisted as a high school student, and later the Air Force. His military career ran from 1961 to 1966.

"My dad and my uncle served in WWII, I have another uncle who served in Korea and I had two uncles who served between wars," says Petersen, recalling his family history, which played a role in his own decision to enlist.

"I wanted to make my brother feel bad because he's two years older and hadn't gone in yet," he adds with a chuckle. That brother ultimately joined the Marines and served for 20 years.

Another brother put in eight years in the Navy, and Petersen's sister was an Air Force nurse.

Post-service service

About 20 years ago, Petersen, a long-time Madison bus driver, joined American Legion Post 333 -- one of 24 posts in Dane County -- to help honor his fellow veterans. Since then, he's held every elected office in the post and quite a few appointed ones. Currently, he's post judge advocate, sergeant at arms and Americanism chairman.

The post is quite active in Sun Prairie, sponsoring such activities as City Government Days, County Government Days, an oratorical contest and scholarships. It also sponsors Boy Scout Troop 333.

What lesson should American's take away this Memorial Day as we remember those who've served us so well?

"If you don't fight for the country, somebody else will run it," says Petersen. "I'd rather be fighting over there than over here, because our buildings could look like theirs if we come home too quick."