[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 93 (Thursday, May 27, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3888-S3889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        100TH ANNIVERSARY OF KIWANIS CLUB OF MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA

  Mr. HOEVEN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the 100th 
anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Minot, ND, as well as the 100-year 
birthdays of two Kiwanis members, ND, constituents, Mr. Lynn Aas and 
Mr. John Sinn.
  Since its founding on May 27, 1921, the Kiwanis Club of Minot has 
helped make my home town a better place to live. As a former member of 
this organization, I deeply appreciate their continued dedication and 
contributions to the community and surrounding area. Some examples of 
their work include donating books to schools, supporting the arts, and 
raising money for local service organizations, like the Boy Scouts and 
the Juvenile Drug Court and Domestic Violence Crisis Center. In these 
ways, Minot's local Kiwanis

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chapter helps realize the mission of this international organization 
and makes a real difference to families and children in the region.
  At the same time, two notable Kiwanis members, Mr. Lynn Aas and Mr. 
John Sinn, are celebrating their 100th birthdays this year. As part of 
the ``greatest generation'' and as World War II veterans, Lynn and John 
have both been an important part of the Minot community and set a great 
example for their fellow Kiwanis members.
  A native of McLean County, ND, Lynn Aas fought as a rifleman in the 
historic Battle of the Bulge. He served with the 17th Airborne Division 
of the 193rd Airborne Infantry and received the Bronze Star, the Purple 
Heart, and the French Legion of Honor medal.
  Following the war, he returned to his home State, where he earned his 
law degree from the University of North Dakota. In addition to his time 
as a Kiwanis member, Lynn served in our State's legislature for four 
sessions, was the president of the Minot Chamber of Commerce, served on 
the board for the United Way, and has been a longtime supporter of 
Minot State University.
  As a member of the 386th Infantry Regiment, John Sinn served in the 
European theatre, where he earned the Bronze Star. He then returned 
home to farm with family members in Ryder, ND, eventually coming to 
work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1957.
  John retired in 1989, more than 30 years ago. However, rather than 
taking a well-earned rest, he has been hard at work serving the Minot 
community. Among his efforts as a volunteer, he is best known for his 
work to improve and maintain the Scandinavian Heritage Park.
  This is an iconic outdoor museum that is central to the community's 
identity and home to the annual Norsk Hostfest, the largest celebration 
of Scandinavian culture and history in North America. The best view of 
the park can be found at John Sinn Outlook, a testament to his many 
contributions.
  It is therefore appropriate to take this time to recognize the hard 
work, dedication, and service of Lynn Aas, John Sinn, and the entire 
Kiwanis Club of Minot as they all celebrate their 100th birthdays this 
year.

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