Minnesota to Honor Fallen Veterans with Memorial Day Ceremonies at State Cemeteries

(KNSI) — Memorial Day marks the start of summer for many Minnesotans, but for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, it’s a solemn time to honor and remember the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice and to support their families left behind.

Special ceremonies will be held at the four State Veterans Cemeteries on Sunday, May 26th, to commemorate Memorial Day. A pre-ceremony and concert will start at 1:30, followed by a program and official ceremony at 2:00. Each will feature military honor guards, music, and a guest speaker.

The cemeteries are in Little Falls, Preston, Redwood Falls, and Saginaw near Duluth.

Due to the high number of attendees expected, the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and carpool if possible. Families are reminded that artificial flowers can be placed on gravesites through June 6th. Anything left after that will be removed. Fresh cut flowers are welcome year-round. Floral regulations are posted throughout each cemetery.

Brad Lindsay, MDVA Commissioner, says, “Minnesotans continually show their gratitude and appreciation for those who chose to serve their country, and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I’m proud that Minnesota is committed to providing spaces across the state where Veterans can go to their final resting place, and where so many in the community have the opportunity to gather and honor those who have gone before us.”

For more information about Memorial Day events at the State Veterans Cemeteries, click here.

Memorial Day began as Decoration Day after the Civil War when communities decorated soldiers’ graves with flowers. Then, in May of 1868, General Orders No. 11, known as the Memorial Day Act, formally established Memorial Day to honor the nation’s war dead.

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