10th Anniversary remembering Wellstone.

Last night over 900 members of the Wellstone  “family” gathered at Macalester College to remember Paul and Sheila Wellstone as well as their daughter Marcia, Tom Lapic, Will McLaughlin and Mary McEvoy who died in the plane crash 10 years ago.

It could not have been more lovely as the evening was emceed by Peggy Flanagan.  It opened with a powerful drum honor song by Hoka Hey.  Both Mark and David Wellstone were there with their families and thanked everyone for being there and for all the love that poured forth for their parents.  Connie Lewis gave a heartfelt update on all of the families who lost loved ones that day.  Governor Dayton’s memories of Paul stretched from the early days of first meeting this feisty little man who he met when Paul first ran for State Auditor through his memories to working along side of Paul in the Senate.

The Wellstone Elementary School choir singing the “We go to Wellstone” is always an enjoyable song to hear especially sung by the multi cultural mosaic of students that attend that school.

Daniel Yang told a wonderful story when his father first took him to meet his friend Paul.  Daniel was 9 years old at the time and the meeting made a lasting impression on him.  Daniel is a Wellstone fellow and is one of the many young leaders who is carrying on the work and Legacy of Paul and Sheila Wellstone.  I expect we will be seeing Daniel running of office sooner rather than later.  In the mean time he is one of the best organizers working in this community and I am proud to call him my friend.

The legacy lives on with the grassroots efforts by all that shared one big group hug last night.