Honor the fallen at VFW Memorial Day service

Memorial Day is not just a day for backyard barbeques or trips to the beach. It is a day to remember and honor all of the members of the Armed Forces who have died in the line of duty.

On Monday, May 26, the VFW will again mark the day with an observance at the Veterans Memorial Flagpole Monument in downtown Clayton.

More than 500 are expected to attend the event which will include patriotic music, prayer and remembrances.

Natalie Tollefson, surviving spouse of PFC Benjamin Tollefson will speak of “Surviving Hope” and share her journey since her husband was killed in action on New Years Eve 2008.

Lt. Col. Michael Hudson will deliver the keynote address and members of the audience will have an opportunity to share their remembrances and comments.

The service begins with a Huey helicopter flyover at 10 a.m.

The observance is co-sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Lt. Jerry Novakovich Post 1525 and the Korean War Veterans Assoc. Chapter 264.

Memorial Day originally began to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women who died in any war or military action. Originally called Decoration Day, it was renamed Memorial Day in 1968 and is always celebrated on the last Monday in May.