Memorial Day tribute a salute to all veterans

Despite Monday’s persistently soggy weather, area veterans were honored, saluted and remembered at a poignant, yet celebratory ceremony inside St. Olaf College’s Skoglund Field House.

Major Keith Beckwith, a chaplain, served as the master of ceremonies for the 9 a.m. event that drew a couple hundred community members. The dignitaries on stage included Rice County Commissioner Galen Malecha and Northfield Mayor Rhonda Pownell.

After the posting of the colors by members of the American Legion Post #84, the 34th ID Woodwind Quintet led by SSG Lacey Semansky performed the “Star Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful” and “America.”

VFW Post #4393 Commander Tracy Closson delivered the commanders address, while Jodi Greene, former deputy Under Secretary of the Navy and U.S. Air Force veteran delivered the memorial address.

Rev. Dr. Brent Klein delivered the invocation prayer for the Navy dead, before members of the American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary placed wreaths that recognized veterans from all American wars, beginning with the Revolutionary War and ending with the Operation Enduring Freedom.

During the recognition of all branches of service that included the songs for Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Army, veterans from each branch military stood to great applause.

Towards the end of the 45-minute service, Larry Pralle, American Legion Post #84 Commander read the last roll call, stating the veterans name three times while members of the Northfield Scout troops placed red carnations at their gravestone on stage. Wil Brosz rang the bell for each veteran.

The final parts of the emotional service included a performance of Taps, the benediction and the retiring of the colors.

The Memorial Day Committee was chaired by Tom Hart and Bruce Stowe, and included Pam Petersen, Barb Swenson, Jean Johnson, Nola Matheson, Suzie Bukke and the Veterans Park Committee.

Judy’s Floral Design donated the carnations, and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon hosted a light lunch at the Lions Pavilion followed the program.