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.
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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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."
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.
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.
If you want to be a member of the committee, contact Mark Persons via email at: [email protected]
Monday, May 29, 2023: The main Memorial Day ceremony began at Evergreen Cemetery at 11 am.
- The MC was Bill Satre from B93.3 Radio and the Brainerd Elks.
- Chaplain Reverend Eusebia Rios gave the invocation and benediction.
- The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Eagle Scout Blake Collins.
- The Gettysburg Address was recited by Craig Coonan, winner of the 2022-2023 Brainerd VFW Voice of Democracy.
- The main speaker was Crow Wing County Veteran Service Officer Erik Flowers.
- The Brainerd High School Band played "To the Colors" and the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Taps with echo was also played.
- There was lunch at the Brainerd American Legion for veterans and families, co-sponsored by the Brainerd Elks.
A video of the main ceremony is available at: https://www.facebook.com/brainerdmemorialday/ |
The Main speaker Crow Wing County Veteran Service Officer Erik Flowers. A veteran himself, he served in Kosovo as a Chaplain's Assistant. Erik is a member of the Brainerd VFW, the Brainerd American Legion and the Crow Wing County Disabled American Veterans. |
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The Brainerd High School Band under the direction of Christopher Fogderud and Michael Sommerness playing Battle Hymn of the Republic. |
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Lakeland Public TV was there to do a news story. https://lptv.org/brainerd-community-honors-fallen-heroes-on-memorial-day-1/
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See the Brainerd Dispatch story.
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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.
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.
May 30, 2022, noon to 2 pm: The Brainerd American Legion put on lunch for veterans and families.
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 31, 2021, Memorial Day. Taps Across America at 3 pm at the All Veterans Memorial in Brainerd. Taps with echo. (l-r) Brainerd VFW Commander Chip Borle and Charlie Johnson, a retired Pillager School teacher. |
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Brainerd Memorial Day, May 31, 2021. There was a wreath ceremony at the Laurel Street Bridge at 10 am honoring those who died at sea. Then it was on to the All Veterans Memorial, at 4th and Laurel Streets, for the main ceremony at 10:30 am honoring all who died in service to our country. See it on Facebook Live at: https://www.facebook.com/brainerdmemorialday The event was also broadcast radio stations KBLB, 93.3 FM and WWWI at 95.9 FM.
Lakeland Public TV story: https://lptv.org/brainerd-holds-more-traditional-memorial-day-ceremony-for-2021/
May 31, 2021. There was a lunch at the Brainerd American Legion at 708 Front Street. It was co-sponsored by Brainerd Elks for veterans and their families.
A promotional audio that was heard on KBLB 93.3 FM Radio and video that was seen on Lakeland TV in Brainerd.
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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: Helen Doucette Thank You.
May 19, 2021: Radio interviews were done with committee member Mark Persons telling about event plans.
Monday, May 25, 2020, 10 am: Traditional Memorial Day ceremonies in Brainerd were replaced with a Facebook video taken at the All Veterans Memorial at 10 am. The Brainerd Fire Department put out a flag. Wreaths lay at the All Veterans Memorial, representing those lost at sea, the Bataan Death March, Gold Star families, Daughters of the American Revolution, Blue Star mothers, Marines, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Master of Ceremonies was Bill Satre. Reverend Mark Skinner said the prayers. Flags were raised and lowered. The Honor Guard fired 21 rounds and Marty Judd played Taps. Memorial Day is a national holiday honoring the more that one million servicemen and women who died in service to our country. The event was broadcast live on B93 and Cash 95 radio stations. Photos of the ceremony are below. You can view the video at: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=878102222708750&ref=watch_permalink In just 24 hours, there were more than 1600 views of the video. See still photography below.
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.” |
Monday, May 25, 2020, 3 pm: The Brainerd VFW participated in Taps Across America, a national movement to play Taps in remembrance of those who died fighting for freedom. This 24-note bugle call was performed by Brainerd VFW Commander Chip Borle (on the right) with Taps echo by Charlie Johnson of Brainerd (on the left). Chip is an Iraq War veteran. Charlie is a retired Pillager, MN, band teacher. He had three uncles in WWII, one of them died. Another, a Navy man, died in Vietnam. See the video and audio at: https://www.brainerdvfw.org/taps.html
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
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Here is what the Brainerd Memorial Day looked like in previous years. It started at the Laurel Street Bridge where a wreath was thrown into the Mississippi River in honor of those who died at sea. Then onto the All Veterans Memorial for a ceremony. A parade on the north side of Brainerd started at 11 am and went to Evergreen Cemetery where the main ceremony was held, followed by lunch at the Brainerd American Legion. |
May 25, 2015: Memorial Day ceremonies were held indoors at the Brainerd National Guard Armory because of rain. WWII and Bataan Death March survivor Walt Straka was there.