Across generations and across the centuries, Americans have answered the call to duty, and many paid the ultimate price. No greater sacrifice could ever be asked of an individual. The service of these Veterans has impacted the life of every single citizen of this great nation. It is for that sacrifice that we salute all our fallen comrades this Memorial Day.

This year for many across the nation and this great state, Memorial Day will be a bit different, but there are still ways to honor our heroes. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will hold a virtual Memorial Day program this year in place of live events at the three State Veterans Cemeteries where past years drew thousands of visitors.

“The COVID-19 pandemic requires a new approach to our traditional Memorial Day events,” explains MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. "This year we will mark this special day in a new and different way, but with the same goal: to honor and pay our respects to Minnesota Veterans who have passed.”

MDVA is partnering with Twin Cities PBS-TPT to create a 30-minute Memorial Day program entitled “Always Remember: A Minnesota Tribute to Veterans we’ve lost,” that will be broadcast across the state on TPT’s Minnesota Channel at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 25. The program will include remarks from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Commissioner Herke, personal stories about those we have lost and honor on Memorial Day, music and a rifle salute traditionally included in a live event.

In addition, Commissioner Larry Herke will co-host the seven o’clock hour of a special three hour live edition of Minnesota Military Radio. The show will air from 6 – 9 a.m. on Memorial Day on Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130. For more information visit https://minnesotamilitaryradiohour.com.

At MDVA, we can’t even begin to contemplate the world today had the men and women we honor on Memorial Day not stood fast against our enemies throughout history. It is never over. Missions may end but legacies are left and the pain of their absence endures. This Memorial Day, let us remember: all gave some, some gave all.