Memorial Day is a solemn reminder set aside to honor the men and women of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. While the long weekend often signals the unofficial start of summer, its true purpose is reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for those who never made it home.
Here in Lake County, that remembrance is carried out through a series of meaningful, community-driven events that provide an opportunity for all of us to pause and pay our respects.
The observance begins a few days prior, on Friday, May 22 at 8:00 AM, when volunteers will gather at Lakeview Cemetery in Two Harbors to place flags on the graves of Veterans. Nearly 1,100 flags will be placed at that location alone, with additional flags distributed throughout cemeteries and civic locations across the county. There is no need to arrive early— flags will be available near the flagpole in the Veterans section right at 8:00 AM. Volunteers are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear, as conditions are often a bit damp. It’s a simple act, but a powerful one.
Memorial Day itself, Monday, May 25, 2026, will feature the annual Two Harbors Memorial Day Program held at the Two Harbors High School auditorium. Patriotic music by the Two Harbors City Band begins at 9:30 AM, followed by the formal program at 10:00 AM. The program includes traditional elements such as the posting of the colors by the American Legion Post 109 Honor Guard and remarks from a guest speaker.
Following the indoor program, the observance continues outdoors with a brief ceremony at the Edna G tugboat honoring Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Mariners. The final portion takes place at the Veterans section of Lakeview Cemetery, where formal military honors will be rendered and the flag raised.
On Tuesday, May 26 at 8:00 AM, volunteers will again gather at Lakeview Cemetery—this time to respectfully collect and store the flags. As with placement, all are welcome to assist.
Events like these do not come together on their own. A special thanks is extended to Vince Sando for his planning efforts, along with the entire Anderson-Claffy Post 109, American Legion. Appreciation is also due to Lake County for supporting the purchase of flags, and to the many volunteers and community members who continue to show up year after year.
As Memorial Day approaches, consider taking part in one of these events—or simply pause for a moment of quiet reflection. However you choose to observe, the most important thing is that we remember.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall, Lake County Veterans Service Officers, 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson, Cook County Veterans Service Officer, 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
