The following words are from the memorial service printed program for Captain Willibald C. Bianchi, who after 80 years, on May 2, 2026, was finally interred at the New Ulm Cemetery in his hometown of New Ulm, Minnesota. Bianchi's remains, along with those of 430 other Americans, were buried as “unknowns” at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, until his remains were positively identified through DNA analysis in August 2025. This is a somber reminder of the cost of war. I was honored to attend Bianchi’s memorial event in April and shared a proclamation from Governor Tim Walz that declared May 2, 2026, as “Captain Willibald C. Bianchi Day” in Minnesota.

In April 1941, 1st Lieutenant Bill Bianchi left Minnesota for the Philippines to serve in the U.S. Army, 45th Infantry Division, Philippine Scouts. On January 9, 1945, he was aboard an unmarked prison ship near Formosa (Taiwan). An American plane, not knowing Allied prisoners were on board, dropped a bomb into the ship’s hold. Captain Bianchi was killed instantly at age 29.

Captain Bianchi was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for achievements prior to the fall of the Philippines in 1942 and was probably the most outstanding American soldier on Bataan in the early months of the war. His name endured in the memories of the American prisoners of war held with him at Camp O’Donnell, Cabanatuan and Bilibid, for beyond his distinction as a war hero, Bianchi became the greatest source of support for his fellow prisoners during the most terrible three years of capture.

As we approach Memorial Day—and begin the month of May, recognized as National Military Appreciation Month—it is a fitting time to reflect on and honor the thousands of U.S. service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms. It is also an opportunity to highlight /mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/index.jspMinnesota’s State Veterans Cemeteries and the vital role they play in providing our Veterans with dignified burials and a lasting commitment to the highest quality of eternal care. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is honored to serve Veterans and their families at this meaningful time.

Our four State Veterans Cemeteries are located in /mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-duluth.jspDuluth, /mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-little-falls.jspLittle Falls, /mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-preston.jspPreston and /mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-redwood-falls.jspRedwood Falls. We strive for excellence, and I am proud that our State Veterans Cemeteries have been recognized by the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), a division of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Duluth State Veterans Cemetery received the NCA Operational Excellence Award in 2023 and again in 2026, the Little Falls State Veterans Cemetery received the award in 2022, and the Preston State Veterans Cemetery received the same award in 2019.

The awards follow NCA National Cemetery Compliance Reviews that examine 95 standards to ensure the best possible experience for families of Veterans interred at the cemeteries in categories such as Interment Operations, Grounds Maintenance, Headstone, Marker and Niche Cover, Equipment Maintenance and other standards.

An even more important recognition is the families of 14,000 Veterans who have chosen to inter their loved one in a State Veterans Cemetery. We are honored to have earned their trust and confidence as we care for their loved one for eternity.

I invite you to recognize Memorial Day this year by attending a program at one of our four State Veterans Cemeteries. All four locations will host an event on Sunday, May 24, the day before Memorial Day, starting at 2 p.m. These programs are always a meaningful way to remember those who have served our country. More details are available on our website.

As always, if you need information or support on any Veteran issue, please visit our website, contact your County Veterans Service Officer or contact LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet.

Thank YOU for your service!