Holiday plans are forming

Memorial Day begins early for Honor Guard members each year, as they stop at the various cemeteries dotted across the county.

It’s important to make that effort, said Cloquet Combined Honor Guard Captain Rich Chasse.

“What we do, what people do when they go to these programs and cemeteries, it honors those veterans who died in combat,” said Chasse, who joined the military during Vietnam, but is a Korean service veteran, having served three tours there. “They made it possible for us to be able to hold these ceremonies and celebrate these holidays that we have.”

The headline event in Cloquet Monday is the program at Veterans Park, starting at 11:30 a.m. at the pavilion and picnic shelter next to the Veterans Memorial Wall.

Longtime Carlton County commissioner Dick Brenner is the guest speaker. Chasse said they’re still trying to finalize the musical program, but he expects to have music along with the traditional rifle salute and laying of the wreaths.

The Cloquet Combined Honor Guard will be joined by Fond du Lac Honor Guard at the cemeteries. The Fond du Lac Drum Corps will also be part of the ceremony at Veterans Park.

“I’ve served with a lot of Native Americans, they are a vital part of our veterans service,” Chasse said regarding the relatively new partnership between the city and reservation honor guards, adding that he really enjoys the way the program has expanded.

2017 Cloquet High School grad Bryce Moe will play “Taps” again; Moe is in the Marine Corps Reserves.

On the following page is a schedule of the various Honor Guard cemetery and park stops across the county.