Mother Nature brought bright sunshine and some unexpected heat and humidity to the area Monday morning for the annual observance of Memorial Day. A forecast that included rain may have been responsible for a smaller audience than in previous years, but those who were in attendance at the Becker Cemetery felt the emotions of the day just as strongly as ever.
As small American flags fluttered from the headstones of local military veterans, the Honor Guard from Becker American Legion Post 193 carried the Colors into the cemetery to begin the annual service in their honor.
Graduating Becker High School senior Abby Johnson sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful” after Legion member and Sherburne County Commissioner John Riebel opened the observances with a few remarks on the meaning of Memorial Day. Later in the service, volunteer Bruno Gad called out the names of all of the area veterans who have passed away, which was followed by a rifle salute from the Honor Guard’s rifle company.
BHS sophomores Andrea Molus and Cassie Lenneman played a “call-and-response” version of Taps, the military bugle salute to fallen comrades during the service, and the young ladies of the Anderson family of Becker placed a wreath and flowers on the Veteran’s memorial during the service.
Following the service, the members of the Becker Legion Auxiliary served the traditional ham and turkey dinner at the Becker Community Center, this year all in matching aprons donated by a thoughtful local resident.
