Memorial Day program to be held in entirety

Because of the pandemic, last year's annual Memorial Day program was scaled down to only include a ceremony at Veterans Park.
The plan this year, however, is full steam ahead.
The program, hosted by the Minneota American Legion Post 199 and the Minneota-Taunton VFW Post 5334 will be begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 31 at the American Legion.
Following the program at the Legion, a "Lighting a Light for a Veteran" who has served or is currently serving in the military, will be held at Veterans Park on First Street. That program is set to begin around 9:30 p.m.
Due to the large number of names, the Mascot will print the Roll Call of the Dead in the Thursday, May 28 issue. There will a reading of the names included on the pavers at the park.
The program is one of the top Memorial Day programs held in this part of the state. The VFW and American Legion posts take alternating turns at hosting the program, although many of their members are in both veteran groups. This year, the VFW Post 5534 is the host.
Tentatively, the program begins with a welcome from VFW Commander Tony Buysse, followed by the presentation of colors and an opening prayer from Pastor Allen Campbell.
Following a vocal selection, LTC Mark Gruenes and Auxiliary President Sandy Josephson will speak. Buysse will then introduce VFW Patriot Pen winner Madison Hennen and Voice of Democracy winner Klaire Banks.
Colonel John Engels will give the dramatic reading of "The Empty Chair", a memorial tribute to fallen soldiers.
There will also be a tribute to veterans of all wars with a 30-second moment of silence being observed.
The singing of the National Anthem and exit music will conclude morning program.
The evening program begins around 8:30 p.m. at Veterans Park with Legion Commander Jim Fink presenting the new pavers that were placed in the park.
The flag poles and trees are lit in the park during the ceremony that is generally well attended each year.
A 21-gun salute by members of both the VFW and American Legion precedes the playing of "Taps" by VFW member Ed Lozinski.
Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the U.S.A." concludes the Memorial Day program.