The Hastings Veterans Home Memorial Day program will begin at 9 a.m. with a flag raising at the Hastings Veterans Home, followed by keynote speaker Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Retired (R) Sean Gustafson.

LTC (R) Gustafson is a Life Member of Lyle Russell VFW Post 1210 in Hastings. He was born in Minneapolis and graduated from Blaine High School. He enlisted in the MN Army National Guard as a Combat Engineer in 1988 and received a commission from Army ROTC at the University of Minnesota in 1994. His key assignments included: Engineer Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, Support Platoon Leader and a Company Commander. He also served as a Budget Officer, Deputy Comptroller, and Planning Analyst in the Pentagon, Washington D.C, State Force-Management Integration Officer and the Inspector General for the MN National Guard. LTC (R) Gustafson’s numerous overseas deployments include: Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Germany and Norway. He also provided critical military assistance during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Among his many military awards and decorations are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters.

After the keynote speaker, the program will go to Roadside Park at 10 a.m. with VFW Commander presiding. LTC Gustafson will give a full address at this program.

Two other programs will follow, one at Soldiers and Sailors Cemetery on West 5th and Ninninger Road and then at the Veterans Memorial Levee, Hastings River Walk on Ramsey and First Streets.

At the Roadside Park Observance, VFW Post 1210 Commander will preside over the observations. The National Anthem will be sung and an invocation will be provided and a community welcome will be given by Mayor Paul J. Hicks followed by this year’s key note speaker. Additionally, special guests will be the VFW Voice of Democracy, Patriot Pen, and the American Legion Boy’s State participants. A moment of silence will then be observed as a tribute to Gold Star Mothers. Commanders and Auxiliary Presidents of the Veteran Service organizations will lay wreaths at all memorials, throughout the various observances. Taps will be performed at the end of each ceremony.

Additionally, during the weekend prior to Memorial Day, our National Flag and Bronze Star Markers will be placed on over 1,000 graves of our departed veterans along with the Ladies Auxiliary markers for their sisters in area cemeteries.

As in the past, this year’s community observances are sponsored by Lyle Russell Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 1210, Nelson Lucking American Legion Post 47 and their auxiliaries, and the Community of Hastings.

All observances and events are open to the public with a special invitation to all past and present service members and Veterans. It is recommended that lawn chairs be brought to the Roadside Park. In case of inclement weather, events will be held at 10 a.m. at Guard Armory. The local radio station will give any notification of change.

Point of contact:
VFW Commander LTC Plevell
PO Box 294, Hastings MN 55033