Memorial Day is May 26 in 2008. Here's what's happening in Minneapolis, St. Paul and the Twin Cities metro area.
Minnesota War Memorials
There are several Memorials in the Minnesota State Capitol grounds in downtown St. Paul, including the Minnesota Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Minnesota Korean Veterans Memorial, the Peace Officers Memorial, and the World War Two Memorial.
Veterans Organizations plan to gather on the Capitol grounds on Monday. The Minneapolis Veterans for Peace memorial observance is at 9 a.m. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. There will be speakers and readings. Call Barry Riesch at 612-269-8934 or Veterans for Peace at 612-821-9141 for more information.
The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 470 Memorial Day ceremony will be at 2:30 p.m. There will be music, a color guard march and speakers. Call Mike Clark at 763-323-1336 for more information.
For those wishing to pay quiet tribute, it will be much less busy to visit the memorials on Saturday or Sunday.
In Stillwater, the St. Croix Valley Veterans Memorial honors all those who have served, and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. A Memorial Day program will be held at the Memorial on Monday 26.
Fort Snelling
Fort Snelling Military Museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of those who served in all wars, and the preservation of the equipment they used. The museum will be open to visitors on May 24, 25 and 26. The museum is in an active military site, and for security reasons all visitors must be in a vehicle.
Historic Fort Snelling hosts a Memorial Day tribute on Monday 26 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Costumed staff will help interpret United States military history. There will be firing demonstrations and reconstructed military encampments will be on display. Veterans and current military families will be admitted free of charge.
Pioneers and Soliders Cemetery Memorial Day Observance
A performance by the Seward Concert Band, and honor guard, and speakers will honor those buried at the Minneapolis Pioneer and Soldiers Memorial Cemetary in Minneapolis. The Memorial Day program begins at 10 a.m. on May 26. A cemetery tour and talk follows at 1 p.m. Call 612-624-1853 for more information.
Memorial Day Festivals
Vive Minnesota! A celebration of Minnesota's Latino culture, music and food is being held over the three day weekend on Harriet Island, on the bank of the Mississippi opposite downtown St. Paul. On Monday there will be a special veteran's remembrance at 11 a.m.
And a little way out of town: A two-hour drive north to Onamia, MN, will take you to the annual Memorial Day Pow-Wow. The Pow-Wow is a gathering of Native American dance, music, food, crafts and games on Monday 26. The event is free and open to all.
Religious Events and Services
Many places of worship are holding a special service on Monday. The service times may vary from normal Monday services.
The Cathedral of St. Paul is holding Mass at 9 a.m. The Temple Israel Memorial Day service is at 11.30 a.m. on Monday.
