Memorial Day honored in Detroit Lakes

Detroit Lakes , MN (KDLM) – Members of the Lake Region Color Guard, area veterans organizations, law enforcement and some classic cars paraded down Washington Avenue in Detroit Lakes on the Memorial Day morning as nearly 200 people lined the street to wave and pay their respects to the stars and stripes.

Lake Region Color Guard parade flags down Washington Avenue in Detroit Lakes as part of their Memorial Day celebration on May 29, 2023. (Michael Achterling / KDLM News)

Parade onlookers gather thrown candy during the Memorial Day parade on Washington Avenue in Detroit Lakes on May 29, 2023. (Michael Achterling / KDLM News)

And, while area kids scurry along the curbs and gutters collecting tossed candy from the parade floats, many others removed their hats and stood in a solemn silence as the flags, area veterans and rest of the processional passed by.

Following the parade, veterans group members hosted a presentation and 21-gun salute at The Pavilion.

Detroit Lakes Mayor Matt Brenk praised the veterans groups for their Memorial Day program and was happy to see that the city commemorates the day with its appropriate honors.

Area veterans groups hold a Memorial Day commemoration event at The Pavilion in Detroit Lakes on May 29, 2023. (Michael Achterling / KDLM News)

“Sadly, over the years, the meaning of Memorial Day has somewhat diminished with many Americans forgetting one of its most important traditions,” said Brenk. “But, we in Detroit Lakes have not forgotten and today we come together to honor those who have served and died for our freedom.”

The veterans also recognized lakes area Gold Star families; family members who have lost a service member during the military operations in Iraq.

Area veteran, Tom Frank, a retired teacher, gave the key note address and highlighted some of the principle pillars of former World War II, five-star Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

“He came to West Point and gave his farewell speech (in 1962),” said Frank. “In the speech, he mentions duty, honor, country, I read the whole speech and he mentioned it seven different times.”

Frank continued: “He said that these three words dictate what those of us in the military ought to be, what we can be, and what we will be. These three words are rallying points to build courage when courage seems to fail.”

Members of the area veterans group’s auxiliaries also laid ceremonial wreaths in remembrance of fallen service members during the ceremony.

Cerimonial wreaths are laid on an unmarked grave during the Memorial Day commemoration event at The Pavilion in Detroit Lakes on May 29, 2023. (Michael Achterling / KDLM News)