The sun was shining down on an assembled crowd at Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston on Monday morning, as they remembered and celebrated the lives of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice during the Crookston Veterans Council’s annual Memorial Day services.
Crookston High School social studies teacher Brandon Lee was the featured speaker at the Memorial Day program at Oakdale and said it was an honor to be asked by Memorial Day event organizer Margee Keller to deliver this year’s speech.
Monday’s Memorial Day service.
“Well, Margee and I are both in the Rotary, and she had asked me if I’d be interested in doing it, and I felt very excited and nervous to do it. I think it was just an amazing experience, and it was beautiful to see so many people out honoring our fallen heroes.”
With his background in history and education and some assistance from Keller, Lee spoke about how America has seen many soldiers, from the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts in the Middle East, make the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.
“I wish I could say the speech is entirely original. They gave me a few programs they liked, and I kind of hodgepodge something together, but I think it delivered the message I wanted to deliver for the day. History is an important part of everything. If we don’t understand our past, we can’t prepare for the future.”
Even with seasonably warmer weather, Keller appreciated the community’s continued support of the Memorial Day activities and the veterans in attendance.
Oakdale Cemetery during the service.
“We’re always thankful for our community. They always come out. And then our veterans, we’re so proud of them, and we’re proud that they show up and we have a special ceremony at Oakdale for them. But this year, in addition, we did the recognition of the 250 years of freedom, which means a lot to me, just being around that long.”
Keller thanked Lee for his wonderful speech, as well as all the volunteers and council members who put their time and energy into bringing these services to the public, and took the time during the ceremony to remember the volunteers who have passed away in the last year.
“We always do a special recognition of anyone who has been active in our Memorial Day services in the past years, and so this year, we recognized Bob Young and Dave Carlson. They were both very instrumental in being around for many years and helping with this service.”
The Crookston Veterans Council includes members of the American Legion Post 20, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1902, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 14, auxiliaries for these organizations, and the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee. They always encourage volunteers to speak at future events and to provide recommendations for next year’s services.
As part of the day’s events, Crookston’s memorial celebrations included visits to Hafslo Lutheran Church Cemetery, St. Peter’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Gentilly, and the Sampson Naval Bridge on Woodland Avenue.
