Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2024 will occur on Monday, May 27.

Communities around our readershop area will be holding Memorial Day services on Monday. Here is the list:

Big Lake

A ceremony will kick off the day at Big Lake Veterans Memorial at 9 a.m. with a welcome introduction.  At 9:10 a.m., there will be a bagpipe playing My Country, ‘Tis of Theeand placing of wreaths at the site. At 9:15 a.m., The Watch poem will be read and at 9:20 a.m., the bagpipe player will play Amazing Grace, concluding the ceremony. 

The Third Rail Bar and Grill is offering complimentary coffee and doughnuts from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

The American Legion Memorial Day service will coomence at 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Big Lake Cemetery.

Becker

The Becker American Legion Post 193 will visit several cemeteries in the area starting at 8:30 a.m. at Co. Rd. 24 on the Elk River Bridge. They will arrive at Snake River Cemetery at 9 a.m., then travel to the 

Reeds Cemetery in Santago. At 10 a.m., they will visit the South Santiago Lutheran Cemetery and a half hour later, the Danetown Cemetery. By 11 a.m., they plan to arrive at the Becker Cemetery to conclude their visits.

At all cemeteries the names of the dead will be read followed by a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.

A Memorial Day dinner is being offered at noon to 2 p.m. at the Old Fire Hall in Becker. Burgers, brats, beands, salad, coffe, juice and desserts will be served.

Clear Lake/Clearwater

There are a number of opportunities for Clearwater and Clear Lake residents to reflect and remember this Memorial Day.

 Starting at 9 a.m., the Clearwater American Legion Post 323 and the Clear Lake American Legion Post 354 color guards will be at the St. Marcus Cemetery in Clear Lake. At 9:15 both color guards will be at the Clear Lake Cemetery on Highway 10.

By 9:45 a.m., one will find the Clearwater color guard at Highland Cemetery in Hasty. From there they will travel to three Clearwater cemeteries; Mt. Hope Cemetery at 10 a.m., St. Luke’s Cemetery at 10:15, and Acacia Cemetery at 10:30.

 At all five cemeteries the names of the dead will be read followed by a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps. The Clearwater Legion Riders will be following the color guards throughout the morning.

 At 11 a.m. the Clearwater American Legion will have a short program followed by lunch.

Enjoy and stay safe!