Tiny flags on millions of American graves will stir gently in the breeze on Memorial Day, paying tribute to those who gave their lives for their country.
Memorial Day is a day veterans recall and reflect on their experiences in the armed forces. Veterans gather to remember their comrades, living and dead, who have served their country in times of war and unrest.
There are 779 disabled veterans still living from World War I; nearly 798,000 disabled during World War II; 273,000 veterans from the Korean War are preparing to memorialize the 50th anniversary of that conflict; 815,000 disabled during the Vietnam era and 231,000 disabled during the Persian Gulf War.
The Paynesville American Legion Post #271 and VFW Post #6039 will hold their annual Memorial Day service on Monday, May 31, at the Paynesville Area Elementary School.
Taking part in the program will be the Paynesville Boys and Girls Staters, Steve Gilk, Troy Schmidt, Becca Werlinger, and Candice Utsch.
Guest speaker this year is Linda Jensen, director of youth and family ministries at the Grace United Methodist Church. She is a native of Paynesville and the daughter of Gerald Burr Sr.
Millie Wagner, VFW Auxiliary president, and Donna Knebel, Legion Auxiliary President, will lower the poppies during the reading of the honored dead.
Also taking part in the program are the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and the Paynesville Area High School Band.
At conclusion of the program, those taking part will march to the Lake Street Bridge for a tribute to the naval dead. From there the Legion Color Guard and Gold Star Mothers will go to the Paynesville Cemetery for another tribute.
The Legion Auxiliary will be serving a chicken and ham dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Legion Hall following the ceremony at the Paynesville Cemetery.
Lake Henry Legion
The Lake Henry American Legion will be holding their Memorial Day services with Father Leo Leisen saying an outdoor mass at 10:30 a.m. with other area priests at the Othmar Braun American Legion Post, County Road 32 and 303rd Ave.,Zion Township.
Commander Jerry Orbeck will give a speech. Other speakers are Rich Philabaum, and Urban Spanier will read the roll call of the honored dead.
At noon, the Legion Auxiliary will serve a chicken and ham dinner. Everybody is welcome to attend.