Hundreds of people take part in Memorial Day observances in ND and MN

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Hundreds of people turned out for North Dakota’s largest Memorial Day event at North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

It is located about 6 miles south of Mandan on Highway 1806.

The ceremony was held in the noon hour under the blazing sun and included music, speeches and a motorcycle honor run.

Brigadier General Mitch Johnson, North Dakota’s adjutant general, delivered the keynote address.

Also speaking at the event were U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer and Gov. Kelly Armstrong.

“For 158 years Americans have paused on Memorial Day to honor those who gave what President Abraham Lincoln called the last full measure of devotion. They come from every corner of our country and every walk of life, yet they shared one thing in common: when their nation called they answered. And because they did America remains the greatest force for freedom the world has ever known,” said Armstrong.

Sen. Hoeven talked about the important and ongoing work to construct a Veterans Memorial Center at Fargo National Cemetery.

“In July, we will embark on a Veterans Memorial Center at that site, if you haven’t been to the Fargo National Cemetery please go and check it out because we are starting construction of that Veterans Memorial Center. And Gov. Armstrong and the legislature, I see Sen. Dever here, they stepped up in a big way. And the honor guard there led the local fundraising effort and we’ve got federal resources into it. It is going to be beautiful and it is so important,” said Hoeven.

The service ended with the traditional 21-gun salute with the solemn playing of “Taps” and cannon fire.

In the Twin Cities, hundreds of people showed up for the annual Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

The ceremony featured Keynote speaker Richard Middleton, Commander of Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad.

Other speakers included U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar.

“We may be divided sometimes politically, that’s understatement, but we know that what unites us, our respect for our country, what ties us together even if we have differences on war, we always stand up for the warrior and respect the warrior,” said Klobuchar.

There was music by the 34th Infantry Division “Red Bull” Band and Memorial Rifle Squad provided military honors.