Memorial Day in Brainerd, Minnesota, a tradition since 1968
Monday, May 26, 2025: Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend Memorial Day ceremonies in Brainerd. It is a free community event. Stay tuned for details.
(l-r) Mark Persons and Bill Satre.
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May 29, 2024: Interview on B93.3 Radio in Brainerd recapping the 2024 Memorial Day ceremonies.
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Monday, May 27, 2024, Memorial Day:
At 9:00 am, A wreath was thrown in the Mississippi River at the Laurel Street Bridge. Chaplain Rios gave a prayer and the Brainerd Honor Guard fired three volleys. The Brainerd Fire Department put out their large flag.
At 9:00 am, A wreath was thrown in the Mississippi River at the Laurel Street Bridge. Chaplain Rios gave a prayer and the Brainerd Honor Guard fired three volleys. The Brainerd Fire Department put out their large flag.
9:30 am There was a short ceremony at the All-Veterans Memorial, 4th and Laurel Streets with more volleys and Taps. It was a rainy morning, but that didn't stop the Honor Guard. There was a red rose at the base of the Vietnam memorial panel.
The 11 am main ceremony was at the Brainerd National Guard Armory. About 300 people came in out of the rain to attend the event. The Brainerd High School Marching Band was conducted by Chirs Fogderud and Mike Sommerness. Battle Hymn of the Republic, among other patriotic music was played.
For those who we unable attend in person, a video of the event is available at: https://www.facebook.com/brainerdmemorialday
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The Brainerd Honor Guard presented the flag. 
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Eagle Scout Tony Piehl read the Gettysburg Address.
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Eagle Scout John Unger recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
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The main speaker was Natalie Petersen, Assistant Crow Wing County Veteran Service Officer.
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Bill Satre was the master of ceremonies and did a great job.
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Natalie Petersen served eleven years in the U.S. Army, serving two tours in Iraq. Quotes from her speech: "Since WWII, there have been 767 servicewomen killed in the line of duty. Memorial Day serves to bring to the forefront of our minds the sacrifices many have made. They should serve as role models and the values to which we should cherish our lives, families and loved ones. On this Memorial Day, I challenge ever one present to look up a story of a lost service member and let that resonate with you throughout the year, and do this every year, so that we may remember our history and those who gave all and they will never be forgotten."
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The full text of her speech ->
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World War II veteran Harry Meyer was recognized by the crowd and was later interviewed by reporter Miles Walker from Lakeland Public Television. https://lptv.org/brainerd-honors-those-whove-fallen-at-annual-memorial-day-ceremonies/
Brainerd Dispatch newspaper story with video: https://www.brainerddispatch.com/news/local/in-remembrance-of-the-ultimate-sacrifice?utm_source=email&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=dailyam&utm_market=brainerddispatch
Lunch was by the Brainerd Elks and the Brainerd American Legion, at 708 Front Street for veterans and their families.
May 25, 2024: Cub Scouts from Pack number 36 showed up to put flags in Evergreen Cemetery.
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Pack Leader Trevor Bjerketuedt instructed the scouts in etiquette by telling them not to pick up any coins from gravestones. Coins were put there by relatives and friends in honor of those who died. On military graves, a penny can mean the visitor paid their respects, a nickel can mean they trained together at boot camp and a dime can mean they served together. A quarter can mean the visitor was present when the soldier was killed.
They were also told to not let a flag touch the ground. |
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May 25, 2024; Memorial Day story in the Brainerd Dispatch newspaper.
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Making plans for Memorial Day, May 27, 2024.
Photo from the Brainerd Area Memorial Day Committee meeting on March 20, 2024.
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This is an all-volunteer community activity. Flowers at the All-Veterans Memorial are planted and tended to by the Captain Robert Orr Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Most people on this committee volunteer to honor those who died in service to our country. Most never served in the military. Jobs include arranging for speakers, getting city permits, coordinating the parade, making the program guides, putting up flags in area cemeteries with scouts, radio interviews and running the sound system.
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May 25, 2024: Memorial Day story in the Brainerd Dispatch newspaper.
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May 22, 2024: (l-r) Tess Taylor and Ken Thomas from WJJY-FM Radio, then Mark Persons from the Brainerd VFW and Herman Wisneski from the Brainerd Elks.
Similar interviews were heard on B93.3-FM, KUAL-FM, KLIZ-FM and WWWI-FM Radio stations.
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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.
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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.” |
John McCray
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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 |
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In Waters by the Deep, a sailor's poem
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