Little Falls, Minn. – As the Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls 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 Erik Sogge. “One example is the information sign outside the cemetery’s Administration building.”

A 6’ x 5’ cemetery information sign was installed outside of the cemetery’s Administration Building in late 2019. The sign was donated as a Disabled American Veterans Department of Minnesota Commander’s Project. Rick Jarvis, State Commander from 2018-2019, offered the generous contribution to the State Veterans Cemetery.

Jarvis worked closely with Cemetery staff and local vendors to design a structure that would be informative and conform to the overall aesthetics of the cemetery. The sign includes important cemetery information that positively impacts thousands of visitors annually, in addition to a large cemetery map to assist families and guests in finding their loved one’s gravesite. A custom granite base uses the same material that can be seen throughout the cemetery grounds.

“The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls has been fortunate to have received several donations from generous individuals like Mr. Jarvis,” notes Sogge. “These contributions enhance the cemetery’s ability to serve our Veterans and their loved ones, while providing a lasting impact that will benefit the facility for years to come.”

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 Sogge.

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 Duluth 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.