Through prayers, parades, guest speakers, patriotic songs, blessings and salutes on Monday, May 31, communities across Douglas County honored the brave men and women who fought for freedom.
This year’s Memorial Day ceremonies were more unifying this year compared to the virtual observances that COVID-19 brought last spring. Large crowds gathered, mingling about and greeting one another with handshakes or smiles not hidden by masks.
The weather was also picture-perfect with sunny blue skies, temperatures in the 60s and a breeze that fluttered all the flags that were proudly flying in the cemeteries or parks where events were held.
Osakis speaker: Evil never stops
At the Osakis ceremony at Memorial Park, guest speaker Rudd Wasson encouraged the crowd to remember the bravery of all those who fought for American freedoms against fierce opposition that continues to this day.
“Evil or sin never stops in its attempt to enslave mankind,” Wasson said.
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Wasson said that violence, at times, is necessary to preserve our rights and thanked the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice, death, to keep those freedoms.
There are voices out there who criticize, mock and ridicule those in the military in a misguided attempt to denigrate those who serve, Wasson said. In many ways, he added, soldiers who follow their duty are like Jesus Christ, who endured mockery, pain, suffering and finally, death, so others could have eternal life. He added that those in the military are following “a calling” to protect the lives of their comrades, even if it, too, leads to death.
The Osakis observance began with a welcome from Osakis VFW Commander Lee Christopherson. He noted that the soldiers who were being honored on Memorial Day were “ordinary people doing extraordinary things,” including the supreme sacrifice, death.
After a blessing from Chaplain John Pallow, the crowd recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Next, Randy Resley provided a trumpet rendition of The National Anthem. The Gordon Men’s Choir sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic, inviting all attendees to join in the final chorus.
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The ceremony paid respects to departed comrades when officers and members of the VFW offered tributes – flags, flowers, a wreath – they placed at the Battle Cross.
The service concluded with a firing squad salute, Taps and benediction.
Alexandria speaker: America is greatest nation on Earth
Hundreds of people gathered along Broadway Street in Alexandria for the annual Memorial Day parade before heading over to the Veterans Memorial Park for the Memorial Day ceremony. This was the first year the ceremony was held at the newly opened park.
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This year’s guest speaker was Lt. Col. Jon Gackle, who is retired from the U.S. Marine Corps.
Memorial Day, said Gackle, is a day set aside to honor military men and women. Soldiers, he added, who are worthy of respect and admiration.
After quoting two former presidents – Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan – Gackle said that America is unique and that it is exceptional. But he said not in a prideful sense.
“In a sense that we are different,” he said, noting that it was the belief of both presidents, along with every man and woman who serves the nation.
He said that it's the idea of a nation that it is a government of the people, for the people and by the people. These concepts are still the foundations of today, he added.
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“Don’t ever think for a New York minute that America isn’t the greatest nation on Earth,” said Gackle. “America paved the way and is the foundation for the people. We the people make America great.”
