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   As Memorial Day approaches, communities across Lakeland are preparing to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. The weekend will be marked by solemn ceremonies, community gatherings, and events that reflect both remembrance and the spirit of togetherness.

Buddy poppy sale

   The Post will be offering Buddy Poppies in return for a donation on Friday and Saturday, May 22-23, at various business locations in Longville. The Buddy Poppy slogan is “to honor the dead by helping the living.” Donations received through the drive are used to fund programs at Veterans hospitals and homes throughout Minnesota, in addition to aiding active service members and families as needed.  

Backus

   Sons of the American Legion member Judson Stagnaro will deliver the Memorial Day address at Evergreen and Ponto Lake Cemeteries conducted by the Backus American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.    

      Backus services will begin at 10 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, and the Ponto Lake service will follow the conclusion of the Backus memorial at approximately 11 a.m., both on Monday, May 25. In event of bad weather, services will be moved to the Legion Hall in Backus and Ponto Lake Town Hall.

Hackensack

   The Hackensack American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion will conduct Memorial Day services again this year. 

   The Auxiliary will start with a short service at the Finnelly Cemetery just off 43rd Avenue NE on Sunday, May 24 at 1:00 p.m. The Finnely Cemetery contains the graves of about 30 early settlers to the Hackensack area. The first burial was 1900 and the last was 1923 when the cemetery was closed. The cemetery fell into disrepair until it was reclaimed by the Auxiliary about 30 years ago. Some graves are unmarked and some are simply marked with a rock while others are marked with a simple concrete or limestone marker. 

   On Monday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m., the Hackensack American Legion Family will begin by marching to the Cass County Killed in Action Memorial in City Park across the street from the Post Office in Hackensack. They will then proceed to the Boy River where a wreath will be placed to honor Navy and Coast Guard veterans. Beginning at 10:30 a.m., formal services will be held at the Hillcrest Cemetery. The service will include a roll call of deceased veterans from all conflicts, including some from the Civil War. Auxiliary members will place flags in each cross as the veteran’s name is read. All are welcome to attend these services.

    In the event of rain, services will be held at the Hackensack American Legion. Please meet at the Legion to participate in this event.

Longville

   Longville’s Memorial Day Program hosted by VFW Post #772 will begin at 9:30 a.m., on Monday, May 25, at the Longville Fire Hall. During the progam, Commander Dale Baker Medical Service Corps, US Navy Retired will be the guest speaker. The program will feature the Longville Community Choir as well.

   On Saturday, the Longville Lions will host their annual McLions fundraiser from 11 a.m. until gone. The menu includes McLions burgers, chips and a drink, located in the Docksider parking lot.

Remer 

    During the annual Poppy Drive on the 22-23, the Post will be in Remer as well.

   Remer’s Memorial Day Program begins at 2 p.m., on Monday, May 25, at the Fairview Cemetery. VFW Post #772 will be providing military honors and honor guard.

Walker

   The Walker American Legion Post #134 will host a program honoring those who paid the ultimate price defending our country. Arrive at the Legion at 9 a.m., service will be held in the basement. 

Emily

   The Lakers Lions will once again be sponsoring this year’s Memorial Service honoring our veterans. The service will be at Pine Ridge Cemetery and will begin at 9 a.m. For weather-related updates or changes, please check the Facebook page: Emily, Outing, Fifty Lakes “Lakers Lions” Club.

   If you have a name to be added to the Memorial List, please contact Janis at (612) 245-3796.

   All past and present members of the military and National Guard are encouraged to attend and are invited to stand or sit behind the cross during the reading of the names of deceased military and Guard personnel, so they may be recognized.

   Attendees with military service are encouraged to wear their uniform, or any part of it, if possible.

   Members of the Emily Outing Fifty Lakes Lakers Lions, area churches, and the Mirin James Legion Post will be in attendance.

   Those planning to attend are asked to bring their own chairs.

   Get ready for a dill-lightful Sunday afternoon, May 24 at the Pickled Loon Saloon as they host their PickleFest celebration! The fun kicks off with purse and gun bingo starting at 2 p.m. (registration opens at 1 p.m.). Play all 10 rounds for $50 and try your luck in extra raffles, including a 50/50 cash prize. The saloon will be serving up a great buffet. Must be 18 or older to participate in bingo or raffles. Come out and help Larson celebrate seven years of good times at the Emily location!

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