Gray sky doesn't dampen Memorial Day spirit at Ft. Snelling

All stood in silence as the colors were presented, with other special regiments marching among the simple white headstones, all decorated with American flags.

The riderless horse, its empty saddle and backwards boots gleaming in the mist, brought up the rear.

Gov. Walz, the long-time US Army National Guard member saluted as the 34 ^th Infantry Unit Red Bull Band played the Star Spangled Banner.

Tony Hoban of Apple Valley didn’t mind the weather.

“This isn’t as bad as some years,” he said. “We’re not complaining right now, we’ve been here when there has been downpours.”

Tony should know, he’s made it to Ft. Snelling every Memorial Day for about fifty years.

“It’s changed a little bit over the years, they used to have some young people speak,” he said. “It still makes you feel good about being here.

That’s only part of the story.

Years ago, Tony’s mother had suggested the annual visit to the final resting place of her husband, and other relatives.

She grew up in Italy, and met Tony’s father there during World War II.

Another tradition was born on this Memorial Day.

People were once again encouraged to pay their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, not far from where the ceremony took place.

The white marble sarcophagus bears the phrase “known only to God,” and had been a familiar place to gather and remember.

There are 680 graves at Ft. Snelling containing the remains of those who served at the historic outpost between 1820 and 1939.

Among them, 280 could not be identified.