Memorial Day ceremonies in Brainerd, Minnesota

Monday, May 30, 2022, Memorial Day 
Brainerd, Minnesota, a tradition since 1968

Monday, May 30, 2022: On and off weather with two inches of rain changed the plans changed for Brainerd Memorial Day ceremonies. Here is what happened:  
9:00 am: A wreath will be thrown in the Mississippi River from the Laurel Street Bridge.
9:45 am: Short ceremony at the All-Veterans Memorial at 4th and Laurel Streets.
11:00 am: Main ceremony, with the BHS Band, at the National Guard Armory. 
12:00 - 2:00 pm: Lunch at the Brainerd American Legion.

Recording on Facebook at:​ https://www.facebook.com/brainerdmemorialday ​
​The Program for 2022 Memorial Day ceremonies.
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TV news story:  ​https://lptv.org/brainerd-commemorates-those-who-gave-all-on-memorial-day/
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May 30, 2022, 9 am: Memorial Day in Brainerd started with throwing a wreath into the Mississippi River from the Laurel Street Bridge in honor of those who died at sea.
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May 30, 2022, 9:30 am: A ceremony was held at the All-Veterans Memorial.
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May 30, 2022, 11 am: About 250 people attended the main ceremony at the Brainerd National Guard Armory.
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Presenting the flag.
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May 30, 2022: (l-r) Speakers included Pastor Mark Skinner, MC Bill Satre, High School Senior Sydney Roberts, Eagle Scout Eddie Montiel and Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Jensen.
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The Brainerd High School Band did an excellent job with music, then Taps with Echo by Brainerd High School Buglers.
​May 30, 2022, noon to 2 pm: The Brainerd American Legion put on lunch for veterans and families.
May 28, 2022:  Cub Scouts from Brainerd and Baxter, Minnesota, put flags in Evergreen Cemetery on the north side of Brainerd.  It is a tradition since 1968.
May 27, 2022:  Brainerd VFW members placed flags at Memorial Gardens, north of Brainerd, along Highway 3.  They used a metal locator to find pipes in the ground to put flags in.
May 26, 2022:  One of three interviews heard on KUAL, KBLB and KLIZ Radio in Brainerd. 
​May 27, 2022: Community Focus on WJJY Radio with Ken and Tess.
 May 24, 2022: (l-r) Devon Krueger interviewed Brainerd VFW member Mark Persons the about annual Memorial Day Ceremonies in Brainerd.  The broadcast was heard on WWWI-AM, WWWI-FM, KLKS, KFGI, KKIN-AM and KKIN-FM.
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Most, but not all of the Brainerd Memorial Day Committee in 2022


​A promotional audio that was heard on KBLB 93.3 FM Radio and video that was seen on Lakeland TV in Brainerd.
The Brainerd Memorial Day Committee is an all-volunteer organization.  However, there are expenses for replacing worn flags, equipment storage, printing and permits.  Contributions will be gratefully accepted to defray costs for the event which remembers and honors those who died in service to our country.  Send contributions to:  Brainerd Memorial Day Committee C/O Brainerd VFW, 309 South 6th Street, Brainerd, MN  56401.  Attention: Randy Aldous  Thank You. 
​We pause to give thanks on Memorial Day to the people who fought and died for freedom and our way of life.

A hero is someone who has given his or her life for something bigger than himself or herself.

Some 1.3 million servicemen and women died fighting for freedom and the American way of life.

From the Bible, John 15:13  “Greater love has no one than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” 
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John McCray
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep
In Waters by the Deep, a sailor's poem
Brainerd VFW