Brandon Peeters poses in his Union uniform at the Minnesota State Capitol.
WITH TELEVISION CAMERAS around him, Brandon Peeters of Owatonna led the Pledge of Allegiance during a Civil War Sesquicentennial Day program at the Minnesota State Capitol on Wednesday.
It was a proud moment for his mom, Cindy Hokanson. “We had a great day at the Capitol,” Cindy says. “Brandon was so honored to meet so many people.”
And I expect they were equally pleased to meet this engaging seventh grader who enthuses about the Civil War, his history passion. He channels his interest in to teaching others about the war, participating in re-enactment and roundtable groups, visiting battlefields, learning and more. He’s also applied to serve on the Governor’s Civil War Commemoration Task Force.
That’s all pretty impressive stuff.
You certainly have to admire an individual with such passion, especially when he’s only 13.
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton and Brandon Peeters.
Those gathered at the Capitol posed for a group photo. Brandon is in the second row.
Three Civil War cannons given to the First Minnesota Infantry Regiment were on display at the Capitol.
© Text Copyright 2011 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Photos courtesy of Cindy Hokanson
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
This looks wonderful. I’m sorry I missed the event. Will there be another demonstation like this in the area in the near future?
Thanks for your information
Alice Mergel Alme
I’m certain many more Civil War-related events will be held in Minnesota this year.
You may want to consider attending Wasioja Civil War Days June 24 – 26 in this community which is home to the only known remaining Civil War recruiting station west of the Mississippi River. Wasioja lies in southeastern Minnesota, near Mantorville.
Look how good he looks in his uniform. What a huge grin. He must have been in his glory. I’m glad you posted these. I was wondering how we were going to hear about his day at the Capitol.
I was pleased that Brandon’s mom took these images and allowed me to share them here. He does look happy, doesn’t he? What a remarkable young man.
Brandon made a great contribution to our entire Civil War Sesquicentennial Day – for more pictures check out the http://www.sos.state.mn.us and click on the Civil War Sesquicentennial Day link in the opening paragraph.
Mark Ritchie, Secretary of State
Thanks for the link. I see a few familiar faces in those photos.
This is wonderful! It is great to see a young man at this age be so very passionate about our nations history. I wish there were more like him who were so interested!
I agree. Generally speaking, though, I think most of us learn to appreciate history as we grow older. When I was younger, I didn’t consider “old stuff” all that important or interesting. My attitude has certainly changed.