Brooklyn Center World War II Vet Joins President for VE Day Ceremony

Sgt. Donald Halverson, of Brooklyn Center, was honored in Washington, D.C., on Friday for the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

Don Halverson, 97, honored at Washington VE Day ceremony.

The 97-year-old Halverson didn’t get to the White House because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, but instead attended a ceremony at the World War II Memorial.

“We were supposed to go there, but they had the ceremony at the World War [II] Memorial, said Halverson.

Don Halverson 1945

Halverson and six other war heroes were tested for COVID-19 before they could participate in the ceremony.

“They were swabbing our noses to see if we had the bug,” said Halverson.

Halverson served with the 168th Infantry Regiment of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division in World War II.

Veteran Honored for Bravery In Italy

Halverson led his platoon over treacherous territory, mountains and minefields throughout Italy. Regions of Italy included Naples-Foggia, Monte Cassino, Rome-Arno, North Apennines Mountains and Po Valley. Halverson was recognized for his bravery.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the World War II Memorial. They then thanked each of the seven veterans.

“I was about 10 feet away from him and his wife,” Halverson said. “It was an honor. We were all spaced about six feet apart. He stopped and thanked each one of us. There was no handshaking. It was nice. There were only seven of us, you know, and I was the only one from the Midwest.”

Halverson has lived in Brooklyn Center for more than 60 years. He’s also a member of the Crystal VFW.  CCX News has featured Halverson over the years.

Photo courtesy: Tom Halverson, Don’s son.

Brooklyn Center