As we approach our country’s 250th birthday, I am writing to share the remarkable story of Larimore’s own patriotic poet, Alden Lieberg.
Born in Larimore in 1938, Alden always jokes that he once held the bragging rights of being the only child...that is, for six minutes; until his twin sister Arlene came into the world too. It was in the hallways of Larimore High School where his breath was stolen away by the beautiful Orpha. They have been married for 68 years now.
Born in Larimore in 1938, Alden always jokes that he once held the bragging rights of being the only child...that is, for six minutes; until his twin sister Arlene came into the world too. It was in the hallways of Larimore High School where his breath was stolen away by the beautiful Orpha. They have been married for 68 years now.
Alden was Larimore's postmaster for 20 of his 30-year career; he became well-known for his striking resemblance to Abraham Lincoln—a role he first embraced during Larimore’s centennial Pony Express re-enactment in 1981. A real employee was needed to ride along to deliver the mail, and that is how Larimore's Abe Lincoln came to be.
Alden discovered his gift for poetry at age 62, following the passing of his brother, Bruce. Since then, he has written approximately 200 poems and tributes inspired by the people who have walked the streets of Larimore. It takes about 30 minutes for a poem to come to life on paper. He is mostly inspired by what he sees, even writing about his grandchildren building snowmen in the yard. He has lovingly penned poems about Orpha, remembering how she raised their five daughters while making a home for the family.
Most recently, Alden appeared as "Honest Abe" at Larimore’s Flag Day ceremony to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. In honor of his lifelong patriotism, he has written a poem dedicated to his love for this country, which you can read below.
"Flag Day" June 14th
Alden discovered his gift for poetry at age 62, following the passing of his brother, Bruce. Since then, he has written approximately 200 poems and tributes inspired by the people who have walked the streets of Larimore. It takes about 30 minutes for a poem to come to life on paper. He is mostly inspired by what he sees, even writing about his grandchildren building snowmen in the yard. He has lovingly penned poems about Orpha, remembering how she raised their five daughters while making a home for the family.
Most recently, Alden appeared as "Honest Abe" at Larimore’s Flag Day ceremony to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. In honor of his lifelong patriotism, he has written a poem dedicated to his love for this country, which you can read below.
"Flag Day" June 14th
Our flag stands for freedom
But freedom isn't free.
Many men and women have died,
So freedom can continue to be.
This country has helped many countries,
But little thanks we receive
But our flag still stands for freedom,
Freedom for you and for me.
So when you see our flag fly
Stop for a moment or two,
Think of all the freedom we have
And what freedom has meant to you.
