Memorial Day events slated in area
May 23—As in years past, Albert Lea and the surrounding communities will observe Memorial Day with special programs in area cemeteries, including a larger program to honor deceased military veterans.
The Honor Guard will start the day with a ceremony at Lakewood Cemetery at 8 a.m., followed by a ceremony from 8:15 to 8:30 a.m. at St. Theodore Catholic Cemetery. From 8:45 to 9 a.m., a ceremony will be at Hillcrest Cemetery, followed by one from 9:15 to 9:30 a.m. at the Freeborn County veterans memorial outside the Freeborn County courthouse at the corner of South Broadway and East College Street.
At 10 a.m. will be the traditional wreath drop ceremony on Fountain Lake, in which pilot Jim Hanson will celebrate his 53rd year of flying for the event, and the Memorial Day program will take place from 11 a.m. to noon at Graceland Cemetery.
Albert Lea resident and Desert Storm veteran Greg Sundholm will be the speaker for the event. Sundholm serves as the quartermaster for the VFW Post 447 and is also the treasurer for Disabled American Veterans Chapter 16.
In addition to Sundholm's remarks, there will be the traditional laying of the wreaths ceremony by representatives from Albert Lea veterans organizations, the Minnesota National Guard, Gold Star parents Don and Deb Goodnature and a POW-MIA representative. There will also be music, a volley fire by the Honor Guard and flag raising ceremonies.
In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved to the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center at 147 N. Broadway.
Following the program, there will be a free Memorial Day lunch for all active duty, National Guard, Reserves, retirees and veterans at American Legion Post 56. Bring your DD214, DOD ID card or VA card for verification.
The cost for the meal is a $7 donation for non-veterans.
This year's Memorial Day events are organized by VFW Post 447.
Other ceremonies in the area are as follows:
—The Lundberg Lee Legion Post 266 of Hartland will host a Memorial Day service at 9 a.m. Monday at the Cross of Glory Church in Hartland.
The guest speaker will be Albert Lea American Legion Post Cmdr. Ole Olson.
The NRHEG band will provide music, and the Cross of Glory Altar Guild will provide a light mid-morning lunch.
—There will be a prayer service with the Honor Guard at 9 a.m. at the Bath Cemetery. Coffee and doughnuts will be served afterward.
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