Local Community Leader is a Daughter of '98

Detroit Lakes resident Pam Mortenson known for her work for veterans and their families has been honored by selected to become a member of the Daughters of '98.

Pam is known for her efforts to improve and rededicate the Grand Army of the Republic Park in Detroit Lakes, and her co-chairmanship of the Detroit Lakes, Becker County, White Earth Wreaths Across America events. Shee is a member of the Noon DL Rotary Club, Odd Fellows, Women's Relef Corps, Sons of Norway and Red River Danes.

Membership in the Daughters of ’98, Auxiliary of the United Spanish War Veterans, (Daughters of Spanish American War Veterans) is composed of women who are descendants of Spanish-American War veterans. Pam's Grandfather was in the Spanish American War.

Pam, whose husband is a member of the Tampa Rough Riders, is excited about reminding citizens of the importance of this war.

According to Pam, "The Spanish-American War of 1898 ended Spain’s colonial empire in the Western Hemisphere and secured the position of the United States as a Pacific power. U.S. victory in the war produced a peace treaty that compelled the Spanish to relinquish claims in Cuba, and to cede sovereignty over Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States."

"People may remember Teddy Roosevelt, the Rough Riders and Buffalo soldiers charge up San Juan Hill, but little else" Pam said.

"With those of us living in or near North Dakota, the Roughrider State, which refers to Theodore Roosevelt's volunteer cavalry unit, it is important to remind all of us of that this war also guaranteed the independence of Cuba."

Her plan is to increase knowledge about Teddy Roosevelt, the Rough Riders, Buffalo Soldiers, and the Spanish America war in general. She and her husband, "The Colonel" Tom are hosting in 2026, around thirty-five Tampa Rough Riders visit to the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, and other areas of North Dakota, as well as Mt. Rushmore. In addition, she is preparing a coloring contest for young people with a focus on Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders.

"Many Fargo residents would be surprised about the fact that the youngest Rough Rider was born in Fargo, or that Teddy campaigned in Detroit Lakes." she said.

According to Pam, "History is all around us, we just need to look for it."