Today, America pauses to remember its fallen heroes. Across the country, people will stop to remember those who died fighting for our nation as we mark the 145th Memorial Day.
A presidential wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Arlington National Cemetery tomb of the unknowns, followed by remarks by President Obama in the amphitheater.
The President will then speak at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to mark the 50th Anniversary of that war. There are several Memorial Day events planned around the Valley Today, here are a few:
A service on the Veterans Memorial Bridge between Fargo and Moorhead will begin at 9:45 a.m. The annual Memorial Day program at Riverside Cemetary in Fargo will begin at 11:00 a.m.
The Moorhead American Legion and Dilworth VFW color guard have scheduled services at several locations including Sunset Memorial Gardens in Moorhead at 8:45 a.m. Sabin cemeteries at 9:00 a.m., and Evergreen Cemetery in Moorhead at 9:50 a.m.
A flag-raising ceremony is scheduled at 10:45 a.m. at the West Fargo VFW, and there are two ceremonies planned at Memorial Cemetery in Grand Forks: One at 9:30 a.m. and one at 11:00 a.m.
Governor Dayton has proclaimed Monday, May 28, 2012 to be observed as an official Minnesota State holiday. Governor Mark Dayton released the following statement regarding the Memorial Day Holiday:
"On this Memorial Day, I ask all Minnesotans to take time to remember the courageous men and women, who have served our country, especially those fallen heroes who made the supreme sacrifice. They gave their lives for our freedom and security. We are forever in their debt.
"Let us also remember and comfort their families, who have had to bear the terrible burdens of losing their husbands and wives, their sons and daughters, their mothers and fathers. They, too, have made great sacrifices for our benefit.
"This spring, about 2,700 Minnesotans, members of the famed "Red Bulls," have returned home from their war zone assignments. They are especially deserving of our gratitude, our support, and our assistance, on this Memorial Day and the days following."
In accordance with a proclamation signed by the President, Gov. Jack Dalrymple has proclaimed Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, a day of prayer in North Dakota, and has directed all state government agencies to fly the American and North Dakota flags at half-staff until noon.
In addition, Dalrymple calls on North Dakotans to observe the President's request that Americans unite in prayer at 11 a.m. local time, and that a moment of silence also be observed at 3 p.m. local time for the National Moment of Remembrance.
"Throughout our history, the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States have placed the security of our nation before their own safety, and America will be forever grateful for their service and sacrifice," Dalrymple said. "These heroes have liberated the oppressed, spread freedom and peace, and set a standard of courage and compassion for our nation and world, and all who enjoy the blessings of liberty live in their debt."
Dalrymple will commemorate Memorial Day by attending a ceremony in Memorial Hall of the state Capitol building beginning at 10 a.m. He will also attend a ceremony at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, south of Mandan, beginning at 12 p.m. Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley will be in Sherwood to attend a flag exchange ceremony at the North Dakota-Saskatchewan border at 10:15 a.m., followed by a program at the Sherwood Public School beginning at 11:00 a.m.
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