By Rick Gail, post adjutant

Local and area residents filled the Lowry Community Center May 30 in observance of Memorial Day.

The program was sponsored by the Gust F. Holden Post 253 American Legion, Ladies Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.

Post Honor Guard members marched from the American Legion facility to the community center to initiate the program.

Following the prelude by Kendall Erickson and advancement of flags, with Alexis Wilson providing the drum roll, Tom Hills, Post Commander, welcomed those in attendance.

Andy League followed with the invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by local Girl Scouts and 4-H members, and the audience joined in the singing of the Star Spangled Banner.

Musical numbers “My America” and “Let There Be Peace on Earth” were sung by Luverne Blair and a choral group, respectively.

A history of the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion was presented, followed by Memorial Day guest speaker Capt. Ryan Heidelberger.

Heidelberger was born and raised in Holmes City, graduating from Alexandria HS and later Mankato State University. He participated in the ROTC program, joining the Minnesota National Guard and served tours in both Iraq and Croatia. He now lives near Garfield with his wife and three children.

Following Heidelberger’s presentation, Karen Tolifson sang, “More Than A Name on the Wall.”

A reading of the deceased servicemen from the area was shared by Dale Anderson, with Laurie Musselman providing background on the harp.

The program concluded in the community center with the singing of “God Bless America,” benediction by Andy League and retiring of flags with drum roll by Alexis Wilson.

The ceremony moved outdoors near the “Little French Cemetery” by the community center with the post Honor Guard firing squad and “Taps” performed by DeWayne Wold.

The American Legion Post Auxiliary served a meal at the legion facility for all legion members and those attending the Memorial Day program.