Many events will be held around the state this long Memorial Day weekend to honor those who died while serving in the armed forces.
Government offices and many businesses will be closed Monday; there will be no regular mail delivery.
On Sunday, the annual Memorial Services at the State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls begins at 2 p.m. Keynote speaker is Lt.Col. Mark M. Weber, author of "Tell My Sons." The program is sponsored by the Minnesota State Veterans Memorial Association. MinnesotaVeteran.org.
On Monday, two veterans' organizations will hold events on the state Capitol grounds:
- Twin Cities Veterans for Peace memorial observance is at 9.30 a.m.
- Vietnam Veterans of America program begins at 11 a.m.
Lakewood Cemetery in South Minneapolis honors veterans and all loved ones on Memorial Day with a ceremony at 10.30 a.m. at the Soldiers Memorial. Following the ceremony, there will be guided walking tours of the cemetery, horse and carriage tours, children's art activities, historical presentations, and music.
Fort Snelling hosts a Memorial Day tribute and Military History Timeline on Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Veterans are admitted free on Memorial Day.
Many cities will have their own Memorial Day parades or events, notes About.com, including:
St. Louis Park Memorial Day Service
The Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion honor those who have served our country in a Memorial Day Service at the Veterans' Memorial Amphitheater in Wolfe Park, St. Louis Park. The service begins at 11 a.m., and the flag will be raised at noon.
Eden Prairie Memorial Day Service
Eden Prairie gives honors to veterans, and remembers those who served at their annual Memorial Day Ceremony, at the Veterans Memorial in Purgatory Creek Park. The ceremony begins at 11a.m.
Richfield's Honoring All Veterans Ceremony
The city of Richfield honors all veterans in a ceremony at Veterans Park. The city recently installed a new memorial to veterans, and will dedicate it at the Honoring All Veterans Ceremony. The dedication will begin at 2 p.m. on Monday.
Minnesota Civil War History at The Landing
The Landing, a historic site on the Minnesota River in Shakopee, is having a weekend of Civil War-themed events on Saturday, Sunday and Memorial Day. A Memorial Day ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Monday.
Memorial Day Pow-Wow
The annual Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post Memorial Day Pow-Wow will be hosted by AMVets Post 53. The Pow-Wow is a gathering of American Indian dance, music, food, crafts and games to to honor past and present veterans on Monday. Noon to 5 p.m.