Mayor David Runfeldt

May 24, 2020

Memorial Day 2020 will be different than any previous Memorial Day in many ways. This year, sadly, we will have no Memorial Day Parade. There will be no large ceremony honoring our Military heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. There will be no gathering of community organizations to lay wreaths in remembrance of those from Lincoln Park who have given their all. On a day where we usually go out of our way to thank Veterans for their service, I am in awe at the number of Military Veterans I have seen thanking nurses and EMT’s and supermarket cashiers for THEIR service towards keeping us safe at this trying time.

Even more than ceremonies, gatherings and giving thanks, the true meaning of Memorial Day is in the remembering. The memory, the memorials, the commemorating of the more than 1 million American servicemen and women who have given their lives in defense of our great country will always be the same and no pandemic can stop that. The tribute we offer and we owe to the members of our Armed Services is what will be the same this year. Even without a parade, a ceremony or a gathering, we can, and we will, always remember the sacrifices our military, especially those from Lincoln Park, have made to protect us and our way of life.

I have included the official Honor Roll of the Departed which lists all of the men and women from Lincoln Park who have served our country and are no longer with us. I ask that you take a few minutes this Memorial Day Weekend to read the list in its entirety. There are names you will recognize going back to the Civil War. These names have history in Lincoln Park and many have family still residing in town. Take a moment to reflect, say a silent prayer, or otherwise remember these individuals. Even without a celebration, we can memorialize these important people in the way they deserve.

Thank you to the American Legion Post 279 for reverently maintaining the Honor Roll of the Departed and keeping alive the history and the memory of those gone so that we will never forget.

Click here full Honor Role, or on the pictures below.
Please visit Channel 77 for the names being scrolled throughout the weekend.

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