(KNSI) – Memorial Day is Monday, and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs says that its Memorial Day programs will be virtual once again this year, but there will be a public ceremony at the Municipal Athletic Complex in St. Cloud Monday morning, thanks to the St. Cloud Area Metropolitan Veterans Council.
The St. Cloud Metro Vets will be having a small parade for only the veterans at the St. Cloud VA before going down Veterans Drive to the MAC for a public ceremony there starting at 11:00 a.m.
Kenneth Johnstone with the St. Cloud Metro Vets says there will be a presenting of the colors and the National Anthem followed by guest speakers and laying of a wreath by some of the monuments at the MAC. Johnstone himself is a Vietnam veteran.
He says the group’s main objective is to keep the public knowledgeable about the veterans’ programs in the St. Cloud area.
Johnstone says it’s not just for Memorial Day.
“We do programs for Veterans Day, we do a Veterans Day Parade. We do a Korean War memorial dinner for Korean War veterans. And, to me, that is very important to keep awareness to the public of these functions, because there are a lot of people veterans that gave up their their lives for us to be able to do what we do. Not just for Veterans Day, but every day of the week.”
The St. Cloud Metro Vets have veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror.
Veterans’ cemeteries are open, and visitors are welcome, but citing COVID-19 variants contributing to the increases in positive cases throughout the state, the MDVA says it is taking a cautious approach.
A press release from MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke says, “Historically, the Memorial Day events at our three State Veterans Cemeteries have drawn thousands of visitors. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic requires a continued commitment to the health and safety of our Cemetery families and staff. Building on the success of last year’s program, we are confident that we can again virtually honor and pay our respects to Minnesota Veterans who have passed.”
A 30 minute Memorial Day program will air on Twin Cities PBS-TPT at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 31st. Governor Tim Walz and Commissioner Herke will deliver prepared remarks and personal stories about fallen soldiers. Music and rifle salute typically done at in-person events will be part of the program.
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