The Crookston Veteran’s Council held their annual Memorial Day Programs in Crookston and other Counties around the area. KROX broadcast was at the services in Oakdale Cemetery and the Naval Ceremony at the Sampson Street Bridge.
Crookston Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Presiding Commander Jack Hanson was the main speaker for the Ceremony, with Chaplin Elaine Metzger and Deacon Dan Hanning for the Invocation. The Ceremony commenced its traditional reading of “In Flanders Fields” with it being read by Logan Melvie and Interim City Administrator Charles “Corky” Reynolds reading the Reply to “In Flanders Fields.” The Ceremony also recognized Polk County Service Officer Kurt Ellefson for his service in Iraq in 2006 and his post-service work and services as a Correction Officer in the Tri-County Community Corrections Center and as a Red Lake County and Polk County Service Officer. Ellefson gave a speech about what it meant to be a service member in the United States, the impacts wars had on all of its soldiers, and what their sacrifice means to us today. “Servicemembers have touched more than just the lives of their loved ones and friends. When their stories are shared in our neighborhoods, homes, schools, and places of worship, these men and women become a part of the collective identity of our hometown,” Ellefson said. “The stories of their sacrifices live on in the pride of the memories of their loved ones, at events, and through inscriptions on memorials and plaques dedicated to the legacy of their generation. Woven into the fabric of our country are those who died while wearing the cloth of our nation. They instill a sense of pride amongst the citizens. They inspire new generations to raise their hands in service. There’s no greater sacrifice than to offer one’s life for the greater good.” The Crookston Veteran’s Council members and representatives then decorated the Memorial Grave with flowers as tributes for their service and paid special remembrance to Jim Buckmiller, Kevin Boyle, and Leo Luettjohann for their part in past Memorial Day services and their services in the military and the Veteran’s Council. The Council then marched to the entrance of Oakdale Cemetery to raise the American flag to the top of its post. The Council then traveled to the Sampson Street Bridge to conduct the Naval Ceremony on the Bridge, where the Council representatives paid their tributes into the Red Lake River to honor those who died or are still lost at sea, with Scott Leven playing Taps at both Ceremonies.
The Crookston Memorial Band Ensemble provided music under the direction of George French and Caitlin Becks. Bill Rasmussen and Al Melvie led the Rifle Squad, with Hayden Winjum serving as the drummer for the Color Guard. Sr. Vice Commander Frank Lindgren and Jr. Vice Commander Paul Dubuque represented the Crookston Veterans Council. Sharon Lanctot represented the Crookston American Legion Post 20. Margee Keller represented the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Chapter 14. Jim Urness was the Officer of the Day. Auxiliary Representative Pam DeLage represented the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1902. Autumn Hanson and Paula Lundgren represented Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
We leave with a final message from Autumn Hanson and Paula Lundgren of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon on Memorial Day. “Never forget what it means as Americans to persevere. Never forget the freedoms we cherish. Never forget our military family. Never forget the children waiting for mommy and daddy to come home,” Autumn Hanson said. “Never forget the parents who pray each day for their son’s and daughter’s safe return. Never forget all of those who served. Never forget our Veterans from all wars. Never forget to fly your flag. Never forget those that paid the ultimate price. Never forget,” Paula Lundgren said.
Pictures from the Oakdale Cemetery and Sampson’s Naval Ceremonies can be seen below.
