While our Cemeteries welcome loved ones, friends, Veterans and community members throughout the year, the December holiday season brings a significant increase in visitors to our sites.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is privileged to be able to pay tribute, say thank you and consistently remember our Veterans and their families. We are committed to providing a sense of warmth, comfort and support as individuals spend time with loved ones at their final resting place - especially during the winter holidays.

Once again this year, the State Veterans Cemeteries will be laying holiday wreaths on all headstones. Public events are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 19. They begin at 11 a.m. with a brief ceremony and will be followed by attendees placing individual wreaths on gravesites.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to arrive by 10:30 a.m. (earlier in Little Falls because of the large number of expected visitors) and to carpool, if possible. Parking coordinators will provide directions upon arrival and guide visitors to a suitable parking area. The Administration Buildings will be open for warming. However, the program will take place outdoors, therefore, cold weather clothing is recommended.

Additional event details by location:

• Duluth, Little Falls and Redwood Falls: A short program will be held at the main flagpole assembly area.
• Preston: A short program will be held at the committal shelter.

Addresses for State Veterans Cemeteries

• Duluth: 4777 Highway 53
• Little Falls: 15550 Highway 115
• Preston: 715 Highway 52
• Redwood Falls: 33752 Noble Ave.

Wreaths For The Fallen (WFTF) will be coordinating the purchase of holiday wreaths for each of our Cemeteries. Wreaths are purchased with funds donated to WFTF by individuals, Veterans Service Organizations and businesses. WFTF will also be coordinating the placement of wreaths in Little Falls. If you have specific questions about the Dec. 19 event in Little Falls, please contact WFTF at 218-829-6622.

If you have general questions regarding memorials and burials, you may contact our Cemeteries directly.

• Duluth: 218-520-0120 or by email at Info.CemDU@state.mn.us
• Little Falls: 320-616-2527 or by email at Info.CemLF@state.mn.us
• Preston: 507-765-7320 or by email at Info.CemPR@state.mn.us
• Redwood Falls: 507-709-439 or by email at Info.CemRF@state.mn.us

Holiday wreaths, grave blankets and other seasonal adornments are permitted on graves from Nov. 1 through Feb. 1. Please ensure that no glass or breakable objects are placed and that items are not attached directly to headstones or niche covers. The full floral policy can be found at MinnesotaVeteran.org/Cem and on signage throughout the Cemetery grounds.

Grounds, restrooms and a gravesite locator kiosk are open to the public seven days per week, from sunrise to sunset. For anyone who needs assistance, the Administrative Office is staffed from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding State Holidays.