“Lest we forget” usually refers to the consequences of war. But in this case, it should serve to remind us that there are people we rely upon each day to keep us safe.
That’s the idea behind a monument at Roseau Memorial Park dedicated to emergency service workers who died in the line of duty. The monument honors fallen heroes who gave their lives in an effort to bring safety and security to other people.
Among the first people recognized in the monument is a former International Falls man, Richard K. Magnuson, who served as a deputy with the Roseau County Sheriff’s Office.
Magnuson was just a few days short of his 21st birthday when he was killed by Greg McMaster in 1978. McMaster had killed three people in Canada and was attempting to flee across the border when Magnuson paid the ultimate price as he tried to stop him.
Magnuson has been given full credit for apprehending McMaster, who served time in prison in Minnesota and Canada for his crimes.
Magnuson’s mother, Margaret, said she once asked her son why he would go into law enforcement. His answer, she said, was simple. He wanted to help straighten out the world. And he was willing to give his life toward that effort.
Margaret and her husband John attended the dedication of the monument, which includes the names of two other people. While Margaret said the ceremony was sad, she said it was also pleasing that people wanted to remember her son, his work, and the way he died — in line of duty protecting other people.
Kudos to the people in Roseau who worked hard to establish the monument. It will play a important role for years to come for both the families and friends of those honored by it, as well as the larger communities.
We must not forget that there are people like Magnuson, who put their life in the line of fire for other people’s safety.