PHOTOS: Memorial Day Events in the Stillwater Area and Beyond
Do you have photos from a Memorial Day ceremony? Share them with us by uploading them to this post.
Memorial Day honors those who died serving our country.
“While it’s tempting to get caught up with barbecues and visits to the cabin today, it’s important we remember that Memorial Day is not merely a day off from work," Congresswoman Michele Bachmann said Monday. "As you enjoy your three day weekend, I ask that you take a moment to remember the true reason for this annual holiday.
“Since the founding of this nation, many lives have been lost on the battlefield. From the American Revolution to the mountains of Afghanistan, our men and women in uniform have selflessly stepped up and made sacrifices to defend this great nation. We must ensure that their fight in defense of freedom and liberty was not in vain and will not be soon forgotten by continuing to fight against tyranny and oppression in every form.
“This holiday, thank a soldier. Pay tribute to the sacrifices of the fallen, and those of their families, knowing that the world is a safer place because of them. Most importantly, resolve to keep alive the memory of the soldiers we have lost. They have given their lives for our freedom; for that, we are forever grateful."
UPDATED FROM SUNDAY at 6 a.m.
If you are not able to attend a Memorial Day service or flag-raising, consider recognizing a minute of silence during the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.
American flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to noon, then “raised briskly” until sunset, according to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.
If you would like to learn more about Memorial Day, visit the United States Department of Veterans Affairs information page.
In Stillwater, a Memorial Day Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial.
In Bayport, line-up for the annual Memorial Day Parade begins at 8 a.m. The parade will begin on Highway 95, between Central and First avenue North and proceed into the cemetery.
In Marine on St. Croix, the Memorial Day Ceremony held by the Disabled Veterans Rest Camp will begin at noon. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann and U.S. Army Reserve (Ret) Major Barry Henriksen will speak.
Twin Cities Area Ceremonies
Fort Snelling National Cemetery Service
Heading west, across the bridge in Minneapolis, a Memorial Day service is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Veterans and service members are encouraged to wear their uniforms. Arrive early and assemble on Mallon Road between the flag post and the staging area. The cemetery is located off 494-W at 7601 34th Avenue South.
Gather on the patio outside the Chapel of Peace at 2 p.m. for a ceremony featuring guest speaker Lt. Col. John Morris. The address is 5101 Minnehaha Avenue South, Minneapolis.
Historic Sites
Historic Fort Snelling Opening Weekend
Memorial Day weekend marks the official opening of the Historic Fort Snelling Site. Costumed historical guides will provide tours and demonstrations as well as other activities, including children's games, starting Friday. Veterans are admitted free. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Memorial Day.
Sibley House Historic Site Opening Weekend
The Sibley House Historic Site in Mendota also opens for the season on Memorial Day weekend. Visitors can tour the homes and learn about the fur trade and Minnesota's first governor. The site is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Monday, and from 12:30 to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
At the State Capitol
Veterans for Peace will hold a Memorial Day service at 9:30 a.m. just east of the Vietnam War Memorial at the Minnesota State Capitol grounds.
Vietnam Veterans of America Service
The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 470 from Anoka County hosts their annual Memorial Day service at the Minnesota State Capitol's Vietnam War Memorial, beginning at 3 p.m. This is the 20th anniversary of the war memorial.
On the Radio Waves
Minnesota Military Radio Broadcast
If you want to tune in from from your living room, Minnesota Military Radio will broadcast live from 6 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. on Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130. The show will be archived on minnesotamilitaryradiohour.com.
