St. Cloud Mayor Reminds People To Honor Lives Lost Defending the Nation this Memorial Day

(KNSI) – As families prepare to hit the road and fire up the grill over a long weekend, St. Cloud’s mayor reminds people to remember those who made this time possible.

“This coming Monday is Memorial Day. It’s dedicated to those who gave the last full measure of devotion to a nation that we live in, and the freedom and the liberty that we have,” said Dave Kleis during his weekly message.

Memorial Day is set aside to remember those who died in combat or from physical and mental wounds after returning home.

“Come together with family and friends over the weekend, enjoy the freedom that we have, but pause and reflect on that ultimate sacrifice.”

Kleis says very few people are willing to raise their hand and defend this nation, and their commitment deserves recognition. He recently returned from a trip to Washington D.C. where he viewed many of the monuments made to honor members of the armed forces.

Over the extended weekend, there are several chances to attend a Memorial Day service in central Minnesota.

The St. Cloud VA is holding an outdoor ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Monday in front of Building 96. The ceremony is free. The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs as seating is limited.

The Sartell American Legion Post 277 will hold its Memorial Day service at the Sartell Community Center on Monday at 9:00 a.m.

The Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs is holding a service on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley.

___