To the Editor:
Today, June 28th, 2004, the American occupation of Iraq ends, and a new birth of freedom in the Middle East begins.  Iraq has taken another step forward in becoming a nation truly ruled by its people.
Our work in Iraq, we must remember, is far from over.  The Coalition made a commitment to establish a peaceful, stable, and secure democracy in Iraq, and it is a commitment we must keep.
The war on terror in Iraq has been a tough and trying effort, and it will contin-ue to be so for some time.  The loss of our men and women in uniform has been a burden almost too great to bear, but a free and democratic Iraq and victory over terrorism are worthy of this sacrifice.
I applaud the transition from occupa-tion to a sovereign Iraq.
Today the message is clear to the violent insurgents within Iraq that have tried so hard to keep this day from coming:  "You have failed.  Freedom will always overcome fear.  Liberty will defeat your violence."
Senator Norm Coleman
State of Minnesota

To the Editor:
Enjoyed reading about the production end of the "world famous" Gazette.  Can I go with you sometime to Hutchinson?
Ron Hughes/Tonka Printing
Excelsior, Minnesota

To the Editor:
I am attaching a press release about a Girl Scout Troop, Juniors 573, that has many Victoria connections.  Every girl in the troop earned her Bronze Award and went beyond the requirements.
One of the photos I am forwarding shows some of the troop after a May Adopt-a-Highway pickup of County Road 11 from the main entrance to Deer Run to County Road 10.  The girls found a Deer Run Golf Course paycheck for $124 and are shown in the picture returning it to golf pro Tom Abts.  Tom treated the girls to the soda of their choice and many kind words.
I would also like to tell you how nice it is to get all the Victoria City Council and other organizations' news from the Gazette each month.  However, your fabulous features are what really catch my eyes.
Studying your last feature on the printing process is a Girl Scout badge in itself.  After your "Dutch Treat" feature, my husband, whose heritage is 100% Dutch, wanted you to know that, "You're not much if you're not Dutch.  Wooden shoe agree?"
Vicki Bont
Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Hi, Sue.  Thanks for the pictures of your Dutch Treat trip in Sue's Album.  I enjoy all your pictures, but what a treat of your travels.  I enjoy looking for the fish-hook in each Victoria Gazette and was surprised to find it in the "C" of the C.H. Carpenter logo on page 33.  Good job as usual.
Shirley Ann Brose
Chaska, Minnesota

To the Editor:
You are invited to a celebration of the 40th anniversary of Pastor Bob Johnson's ordination.  Pastor Bob was ordained into ministry June 3rd, 1964.  Celebration date is June 13th, 2004 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Stewart, Minnesota.  Worship service is at 10:15 a.m. with lunch at 11:30 at the church.
Diane Johnson
Chaska, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Please join us in our celebration!  The Holy Family Catholic High School Board of Directors and President Frank Miley are delighted to announce that the following individuals will be honored at this year's Commencement Exercises as Founders Medals recipients:  Carol Boat-man, Kathleen Brown, Jim Emmer, and Paul Stauffacher.
The Founders Medal honors distin-guished individuals whose vision, exem-plary service, and abiding faith in Holy Family Catholic High School, Victoria, Minnesota, has aided in the advancement of our mission.  It is the school's most prestigious award. 
Reception to follow in the Founders Room.
Holy Family Catholic High School
Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Thank you for not preparing a speech for our motley gathering of curmudgeons.  You were wonderful.  Everyone truly enjoyed your presentation.  I look forward to our friendship and being your neighbor.  Keep up the good work and will you create through your paper.
Pastor Ken Kotzer
Mount Olivet Church-West Campus
Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Erika Gratz, daughter of Marla and Brian Westfield of Victoria, received the $1,000 Eric J. Wilhoit Scholarship this year.  Erika will be attending the MN State University-Mankato this fall. 
The scholarship is awarded each year to a graduating student at Chaska High School who lives in Victoria.  Eric Wilhoit died in an automobile accident in October, 1996, two and a half years after graduating from CHS.  He was the son of Terry and John Wilhoit of Victoria.
Terry Wilhoit
Victoria, Minnesota
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