Across the state,
Minnesotans are preparing to celebrate Memorial Day. Unlike Veterans Day, which
honors all U.S. Military Veterans, Memorial Day is set aside to specifically
honor those who have died in service to the nation. In remembrance and
celebration of these individuals, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
is sponsoring events throughout the state at the State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls and
at the five Minnesota Veterans Homes.
State Veterans Cemetery, Sunday, May 26
LITTLE FALLS, MN - The
State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls is hosting its annual Memorial Service
the day before Memorial Day. The event is open to the public and will begin at 1:30 p.m. with instrumental music provided by the
Richfield Symphonic Band, the traditional Parade of Flags and a placing of the
wreaths and the first public showing of the US Navy painting commissioned for
the Veterans Educational Historic Project. The keynote speaker will be Lt Col
Mark M. Weber, who recently released a book titled “Tell My Sons.” Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, 15550 Hwy 115,
Little Falls, MN 56345
Minnesota Veterans
Homes, Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day)
FERGUS FALLS, MN – The Memorial Day
program starts at 2 p.m. The guest speaker
will be Ron Verhaagen, Wilkin County Veterans Service Officer. The program will
include music by “The Lee’s,” and Color guard services and the rifle volley
will be provided by the Fergus Falls American Legion Post 30 & the Fergus
Falls VFW Post 612. 1821 North Park Street, Fergus Falls, MN 56537
HASTINGS, MN – The Memorial Day
Observance will start at 9 a.m. at the flag pole
outside of the Hastings Veterans Home. There will be multiple stops through the
town and honors will be performed by VFW Post 1210 and American Legion Post 47
of Hastings. There will also be special recognition of Gold Star Mothers and
prayers. 1200 East 18th Street, Hastings, MN 55033
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - The Memorial
Day program, sponsored by the 5th District American Legion, will begin at 2 p.m. outside of Building 15 Chapel. In case of
inclement weather the program will be held in the auditorium. The guest speaker
will be Rev. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. with remarks by MDVA Commissioner Larry
Shellito. Colors will be posted by the Memorial Rifle Squad, Fort Snelling National Cemetery with music provided
by the Minnesota Police Pipe Band. 5101 Minnehaha
Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55417
SILVER BAY, MN - The
program will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Silver Bay
Veterans Home. The guest speaker will be Dave Mealey, Past Commander of the
local VFW in Silver Bay. 45 Banks Boulevard Silver Bay, MN 55614
Minnesota Veterans
Home, Thursday, May 30
LUVERNE, MN - The
Memorial Day program will be held on Thursday, May 30 beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the dining room. The guest speaker will be
American Legion Department Vice Commander for the 2 & 7 Districts, Jane
Ellefson. The honor guard will consist of members from Luverne’s American
Legion Post 123 and Luverne’s VFW Post 2757. Musical selections will be
provided by Jay Tripp. 1300 North Kniss
Avenue, Luverne, MN 56156
