The American Legion Post 6 is planning a Memorial Day ceremony, which will be open to the public. Last year, the event was closed to the public, due to the pandemic.
The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. Monday, May 31, in Memorial Park Cemetery, in an area with three flagpoles, just east of the water fountain. The flags represent the United States, North Dakota and prisoners of war. The cemetery is located east of Columbia Road, between 10th Avenue North and Gateway Drive.
Masks are encouraged but not required at the event, which is expected to last about 40 minutes, said Dennis Almer, who is coordinating the activities.
Post Commander Michael Brown, a former Grand Forks mayor, will serve as master of ceremonies. The Grand Forks City Band, under the direction of Don Langlie, will play patriotic music.
The American Legion Post 6 Color Guard and the Grand Forks Air Force Base Honor Guard will participate in opening ceremonies. The invocation and benediction will be read by Paul Robinette, chaplain for American Legion Post 6.
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The keynote address will be delivered by Erica Claus-Numsali, a retired member of the U.S. Air Force. She is a member of the GFAFB Commander’s Support Staff.
Readings will be given by Alexis Kraemer, a high school junior and member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 6, and Jay Gunderson.
Presenting wreaths in memory of those who died in service to the country will be Joan Smith, representing the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 6, and Jackie Saddler, for the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Chapter 2.
"Casting the Wreath Upon the Waters," a traditional part of Memorial Day ceremonies, will be Deb Moriority, VFW Auxiliary Post 1874, and reading the poem "Cover Them Over," another traditional ceremonial act, will be Diane Knauf, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 6.
Aubriell Kraemer, an eighth-grader at Valley Middle School junior, and her grandmother, Diane Kraemer, of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 6, will distribute poppies.
The Firing Squad Salute will be conducted by members of the Grand Forks Air Force Base Honor Guard. Herb Thomson, a member of the City Band, will perform Taps.
Memorial Day ceremonies are dedicated to honoring the memory of those who died in U.S. wars and conflicts throughout the nation’s history.
The local American Legion is also planning a commemorative event to honor Grand Forks police officer Cody Holte, who was killed in the line of duty May 27, 2020. At that event, set for 10 a.m., June 19, at Veterans Memorial Park, Holte’s family will be presented the Ray Atol Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.
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For more information on American Legion Post 6 activities, go online to:
www.grandforksamericanlegionpost6.org or https://www.facebook.com/GFAmericanLegionPost6 .
