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As in years past, Albert Lea and the surrounding communities will observe Memorial Day with special programs in area cemeteries, including a larger program to honor deceased military veterans.

The Honor Guard will start the day with a ceremony at Lakewood Cemetery at 8 a.m., followed by a ceremony from 8:15 to 8:30 a.m. at St. Theodore Catholic Cemetery. From 8:45 to 9 a.m., a ceremony will be at Hillcrest Cemetery, followed by one from 9:15 to 9:30 a.m. at the Freeborn County veterans memorial outside the Freeborn County courthouse at the corner of South Broadway and East College Street.

At 10 a.m. will be the traditional wreath drop ceremony on Fountain Lake, in which pilot Jim Hanson will celebrate his 52nd year of flying for the event, and the Memorial Day program will take place from 11 a.m. to noon at Graceland Cemetery.

American Legion Leo Carey Post 56 Cmdr. Ole Olson will be the speaker for the event, and there will be the traditional laying of the wreaths ceremony by representatives from Albert Lea veterans organizations, the Minnesota National Guard, Gold Star parents Don and Deb Goodnature and a POW-MIA representative. There will also be music, a volley fire by the Honor Guard and flag raising ceremonies, along with various musical selections.

In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved to the Albert Lea American Legion, 142 N. Broadway.

Following the program, there will be a free Memorial Day lunch for all active duty, National Guard, Reserves, retirees and veterans at the Albert Lea Legion.

Bring your DD214, DOD ID card or VA card for verification.

The cost for the meal is a $7 donation for non-veterans.

Other ceremonies in the area are as follows:

Hartland

The Hartland American Legion Post 266 will provide a Memorial Day program at 9 a.m. Monday. The guest speaker will also be Olson, of the Albert Lea post. The NRHEG music department will also participate.

The program will be in the social hall of the Cross of Glory Church in Hartland. A morning lunch will be provided after the program.

Hollandale

Memorial Day services will be at the Hollandale cemetery at 9 a.m. Monday. Bring your lawn chair.