Memorial Day is Monday May 25 in 2009. 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 Twin Cities Veterans for Peace hold a memorial observance, as does the the Vietnam Veterans of America.
For those wishing to pay quiet tribute, it will be much less busy to visit the memorials on Saturday or Sunday.
Lakewood Cemetery
Lakewood Cemetery honors veterans and all loved ones on Memorial Day. The Lakewood Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony is at 10.30 a.m. at the Soldiers Memorial. Following the Ceremony will be guided walking tours of the cemetery, horse and carriage tours, children's art activities, historical presentations, and music. The event is free and open to all.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 Saturday May 23. 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 Timeline of the American Soldier on Monday 25 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Costumed staff will help interpret United States military history, with characters from 225 years of history. There will be firing demonstrations at the fort.
Pioneers and Soldiers Cemetery Memorial Day Observance
Minneapolis Pioneer and Soldiers Memorial Cemetary has an annual Memorial Day program. Call 612-624-1853 for more information.
Memorial Day Festivals
Minnesota’s Greatest Generation: Memorial Day Honor and Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Minnesota History Center. The new exhibit at the Minnesota History Center, Minnesota's Greatest Generation, celebrates the World War II generation. A three-day opening weekend has family activities every day. On Monday, veterans are remembered with a Color Guard ceremony, World War II veterans, WWII re-enactments and short plays.
A little way out of town: A two-hour drive north to Onamia, MN, will take you to the annual Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post Memorial Day Pow-Wow. The Pow-Wow is a gathering of Native American dance, music, food, crafts and games to to honor past and present veterans on Monday 25. 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.
