veteran’s corner

Tom Krabbenhoft

Greetings everyone. Most people view Memorial Day as the gateway to summer. To a Veteran it’s a time to reflect and remember those we lost. Even if many of us never served in an active war zone we hold a grateful spot for those that paid the ultimate price.

Something to ponder. If it wasn’t for ALL volunteer force and service was required by all citizens how would Memorial Day change? That’s why it’s vital we stand behind those that serve voluntarily. So please take a moment and remember someone answering a call when you did not have to.

Here is a list of Memorial Day activities.

Fargo VFW, American Legion

0830hrs Holy Cross Cemetery

1030hrs Riverside cemetery

1100hrs ceremony (riverside)

1200hrs Sunset memorial gardens

1300hrs Lindenwood 164th INF and Submariners monuments.

AMVETS

0730 Fargo North side Jewish cemetery

0800 North Holy Cross Fargo cemetery

1100 Riverside South Fargo Cemetery

1230hrs Sunset Cemetery

Moorhead American Legion and Dilworth VFW

8:45 Moorhead Memorial gardens

9:15 Sabin (Elmwood cemetery)

9:30 Sabin (Trinity cemetery)

10:00 Evergreens South Moorhead

10:15 Prairie Home cemetery

10:30 St. Josephs cemetery

10:40 Riverside North Moorhead cemetery

11:00 Ceremony at National Guard Armory

Free BBQs and chips at the Moorhead American Legion.

A flag raising will take place at 1230, and a band will be playing.

 **These times are approximate so it is recommended that you should be there 10-15 minutes early.

Cemetery ceremonies will include: Prayer, Rifle Salute, and Taps.

Thanks Jason Hicks for the information.

Pinning down the origins of Memorial Day in the United States is quite difficult. There are over 25 people/groups that lay claim to start of Memorial Day. It is generally agreed the start is around 1864 and post-Civil War. It’s was loosely called decoration day before official recognition in 1967. Women were very influential in keeping the traditions alive until official government declaration. Decades of decorating and remembering fathers and sons fallen in war paid off for all of us.

Decorating a fallen soldier’s grave is a fairly ancient tradition. A newer tradition is leaving coins at a grave. Because of the political divide of the Vietnam War, coins became a way to communicate without a potential ugly debate.

A penny means you visited the grave. A nickel means you attended basic together. A quarter means you were that you were together during the death. There are many interpretations and origins of this tradition.

Those we honor this weekend are our veterans of the week.

I’d like to hear from YOU. I want to hear about good and bad things about the VA, State and County Veteran services, Vet Center etc. What has worked well and what hasn’t. I will keep all information confidential.

 As always, I’m always looking for veterans of the week too.

 Contact me @ 11btwk@gmail.com