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It’s impossible not to have noticed the semi-trailer truck often parked on Carlson’s BP lot, in Lindstrom. The rig’s extensive artwork is literally a “rolling memorial” to the victims of September 11. There’s a huge flag on the left side of the trailer, with the World Trade Center towers overlaid on it, and a mural of a firefighter in the act of rescuing a child painted on the cab’s driver side. On the rear doors is a rendering of the Pentagon and there are lists of victims’ and rescue unit members who died on September 11, 2001.

Remembering the tragedy of 9-11 is the goal of the truck’s owners, John and Amy Homlgren of Shafer. The Holmgrens are over the road truckers, owners and operators of Rosepath Transportation. Inside the trailer you’ll normally find produce and golf carts which they haul back and forth from the west coast.

Darryl Worley’s country song, “Have You Forgotten” was John and Amy’s inspiration to start the “rolling memorial.”

With help from friends in the business of vehicle graphic art, the Holmgrens have created something that -- like the black POW/MIA flags-- reminds the viewer of freedom’s price and to help those grieving.

The Holmgren truck is going to be a cornerstone at an event planned for September 13 in west Wisconsin.

There is a benefit party (food, live entertainment) being held to raise money for the family of Sgt. First Class Dan Gabrielson, of Frederic, WI who died July 9 in Iraq.

Heroes Bar and Grill, in Milltwon is hosting the party. Watch the Press for information about bands and other details. The Sept. 13 event is tentatively running from 3 p.m. to midnight.

The Holmgrens will be there with the truck and limited edition T-shirts to help build a benefit fund. The fund is to aid 9-11 victim families pursue their education, and monies will also go to military heroes in this area, Holmgren said.

Holmgren said he wanted to demonstrate through this rolling memorial that “small town USA still cares.”

The website www.therollingmemorial.com has more extensive information about the fund, but basically Holmgren hopes to loan scholarships to be re-paid, interest free over 15 years.

Wells Fargo Bank in Forest Lake holds the Have You Forgotten Fund, and donations specifically for 9-11 related distribution may be sent to that bank.

Also, the benefit for Sgt. Gabrielson can be donated to directly, if you are unable to attend the Sept. 13 party. The Gabrielson Fund is at US Bank at 26541 Lakeland Avenue, Webster, WI and there’s a Gabrielson Benefit Fund bank account at Bremer Bank, 109 North Wisconsin Avenue, Frederic, WI.

Holmgren has many months of truck appearances scheduled, including at Shafer’s big town anniversary celebration in October.

He promotes the T-shirts, the Have You Forgotten Fund and the memorial wherever they drive their rig.

He mentioned that he already has an idea brewing for a second rolling memorial semi that involves a U.S. map and honors fallen heroes by highlighting their hometowns. Holmgren said corporate sponsorship is welcomed to help defray costs of the rolling memorial.

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