Duluth, Minn. – As the Veterans Cemetery in Duluth prepares for Memorial Day, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring and generous community.

“We are so fortunate to receive support from the community,” says Cemetery Administrator Cory Johnson. “One example is the ‘Walking into the Unknown’ memorial. This monument, along with the entirety of our Memorial Walkway, was constructed through a major donation effort led by John Marshall, our current Memorial Rifle Squad Commander.”

The intent of this project was to honor Vietnam Veterans with exposure to agent orange. The interpretive text states: “This statue is a product of the love a son has for his father – a Vietnam Veteran and a casualty of Agent Orange Exposure.” Nearly every day, the Cemetery staff see a Veteran peacefully sitting on one of the flanking benches. Often they are there for 20 minutes or more.

“I cannot speak to the experiences those Veterans may be reflecting on, but the image of them sitting alone in peace is a powerful one,” Johnson says. “It’s truly a priceless work of art and a conduit for healing, remembrance and love. Every generation of Veterans may interpret the monument differently, but the solemn moment of reflection remains the same.”

Marshall raised nearly $125,000 through donors and major contributors to fund the projects. Donations to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries are welcome and are tax deductible. More information on donations is available at /mdva/donate/index.jspMinnesotaVeteran.org/Donate.

While COVID restrictions are beginning to ease, MDVA made the decision several months ago to hold a virtual Memorial Day program again this year. “We look forward to hosting our traditional in-person Memorial Day Program next year,” says Johnson.

MDVA has again partnered with Twin Cities PBS-TPT to create a 30-minute Memorial Day program entitled “Reflections: Memorial Day 2021” that will be broadcast across the state on TPT’s Minnesota Channel at 8 p.m. on Monday, May 31 and again on Sunday, June 6 at 8 a.m. A link to the program will also be posted on the MDVA website. 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.

The three State Veterans Cemeteries (others located in Little Falls and Preston) remain open and visitors are welcome to visit every day, and especially on Memorial Day when American flags will be displayed along the entrance street and on all graves in the Cemeteries.

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About MDVA
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.