Countywide Memorial Day services set

Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day was originally set aside to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting and decorating cemetery graves or holding family gatherings. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.

Local honor guard members and other veterans groups treat Memorial Day — and their stops at various cemeteries — as a sacred duty.

Cloquet Combined Honor Guard Captain Rich Chassé said members appreciate seeing community members come out.

“It means the community is actually honoring the veterans who have gone,” Chassé said.

Find the schedule of Memorial Day stops for both the Cloquet and Carlton veterans groups below.

Carlton VFW Post 2962 Honor Guard and Auxiliary

7:45 a.m. Eagle Lake

8:10 a.m. Cromwell

8:50 a.m. Atkinson

9:30 a.m. Elim Lutheran

9:55 a.m. Oak Lake

10:25 a.m. Nickerson

11:05 a.m. St. John’s

11:30 a.m. Carlton Hillside Cemetery

Cloquet Combined Honor Guard

8:15 a.m. Highway 210, Sawyer

8:30 a.m. Sts. Mary and Joseph, Sawyer

8:45 a.m. Holy Family Mission

9:15 a.m. Maple Grove

9:30 a.m. New Calvary

9:50 a.m. Hill between old cemeteries, above Pinehurst Park

10:20 a.m. Apostolic Church, Esko

10:45 a.m. St. Matthews, North Cloquet Rd

11:05 a.m. Pine River, North Highway 33

11:30 a.m. Veterans Park program

Cloquet services are a joint effort of the American Legion Post 262, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3979, Disabled Veterans Chapter 18, American Ex-Prisoners of War, and their Auxiliaries.

Kettle River

The Kettle River American Legion will hold Memorial Day services at 11 a.m. at the Kettle River Veterans Building. A potluck lunch will follow at the Kettle River Senior Center. Bring a dish to share.

Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery-Duluth

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs will host special ceremonies at each of the three State Veterans Cemeteries at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 28. At the veterans cemetery, music by the 34th Infantry Division Red Bull Boots and Brass Band will begin at 1:30 p.m. Cloquet Combined Honor Guard Captain John Prouty will give the memorial address. The cemetery is located at 4777 Highway 53 in Saginaw. Due to the high number of attendees expected, the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and carpool, if possible.