TOWER- As it does every Memorial Day, the Tower-Soudan community gathered to commemorate those who died while serving our country, as well as remembering all area veterans who have passed away.
The Tower-Soudan Civic Club again hosted the event at the Lamppa Civic Center, with help from the Tower-Soudan Area Singers, led by Rolf Anderson. Area honor guard members presented the flags.
Six-year-old Sophie Harasyn helped open the program playing a spirited rendition of My Country ‘Tis of Thee, followed by the singers’ medley of patriotic songs and the audience joining in for the Star-Spangled Banner.
Tower Mayor Dave Setterberg gave brief remarks, and then read the names of those veterans who were killed in action; those specifically set to be honored on Memorial Day. Retired pastor Doug Workman gave the invocation and benediction.
The annual tradition of the reading of the names of deceased veterans, the Roll of Honor, was respectfully led by Corky Hill, Dianna Sunsdahl, Steve Burgess, Alli Harasyn, Dan Hill, Teresa Dolinar, Doug Workman, Mary Walker, Cade Gornick, and Barb Peyla. Each year the list grows longer, now taking over 40 minutes, as the audience listened to many familiar and not-so-familiar names, dating back to veterans from the Civil War era. Almost everyone in the audience shared a name that was read aloud.
To end the ceremony, a wreath was placed to honor the unknown soldier, honor guard members George Mihelich and Rod Politano gave a gun salute, and Ethan Zaitz played taps.
After the ceremony, the Tower-Soudan Civic Club hosted coffee an’. The organizers also thanked John Zaitz and his crew at the Lakeview Cemetery who placed flags at the graves of all the veterans buried there.