The parade begins with the Rice County Central Veterans Association Honor Guard/Color Guard leading the way.
FOR THE THIRTY-THREE YEARS I’ve lived in Faribault, I’ve rarely missed a Memorial Day parade and the program that follows in Central Park.
Little Ivan arrives for the parade in a car pushed by his dad, Jake.
It’s a time-honored tradition of music and marches, salutes and speeches, flags and families.
Saluting the flag at the ceremony in Central Park.
I’m proud to live in a community where patriotism and service to country and respect for the American flag and all it means runs strong from generation to generation.
From kids to adults, many are dressed in a patriotic red, white and blue.
Grand Marshal, Adrian Gillen, rides in the parade alongside his wife, Jean. The couple both served their country and were duo grand marshals.
David Kirkpatrick, who is my eldest daughter’s classmate, was the honorary grand marshal.
The Shattuck-St. Mary’s Crack Squad always marches in the parade and always fires their guns.
The Scouts always hand out American flags during the parade.
The parade includes vintage vehicles.
You know the parade is ending when horses and riders arrive.
At Central Park, the Bethlehem Academy Band awaits their turn to play the National Anthem.
Some attendees clutch American flags.
Honored veterans Adrian Gillen, left, and brothers Matt and David Kirkpatrick.
Veteran Travis Quinlan watches the program at the park with hundreds of others. He was also a classmate of my eldest daughter.
Hundreds gathered in Central Park for the program, presented on the bandshell. The Girl Scouts participated with a presentation on flag folding and more.
Archie Temple walked in the parade and then arrived at the park for the Memorial Day program. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1956, during the time of the Korean War. That’s his original Navy uniform.
Honored combat veteran Matt Kirkpatrick addresses the crowd. Grand marshals Jean and Adrian Gillen are seated next to the podium.
David Kirkpatrick speaks briefly.
As is tradition each year, members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 43 place wreaths on the memorial cross.
The Honor Guard/Color Guard is an important part of the day’s events.
As they left the park, veterans Travis Quinlan, left, and David and Matt Kirkpatrick posed for one last photo. Travis and David were Faribault High School classmates.
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Middle America at its finest. God Bless America and those who serve.
Amen.
Such an important day and I’m glad these veterans were honoured. As you know, we’ve just had ANZAC Day here and I always find the parades very emotional. Lovely to see NYC isn’t the only place to have a ‘Central Park’! xx
It’s definitely a day of reflections and emotions.
A wonderful collection of photos.
Thank you.
I always get teary eyed at parades like this. Always. Thanks for the lovely images even if I am late to the game at looking at them.
Oh, I only posted these Monday evening. It takes a long time, as you know, to sort through images and get them posted. And, yes, emotions often run high.
Dear Audrey, your pictures of the parade touch my heart and fill me with pride. I hope tradition and rememberance endure and seeing the young people there makes me sure it will. Our local news in Tampa showed three services done in Easton, MInnesota, part of Faribault county, I thought that was special. Not that I’m partial to my Minnesota roots 🙂
One must always remain loyal to one’s roots, do I think.
The community of Faribault, where I live, is actually in Rice County. Rather confusing. How wonderful, though, that you saw that Memorial Day clip from Easton.
You really captured some great photo’s, Looks like many turned out to support…. and remember.
Thank you, Jackie. One of the largest crowds ever gathered at Central Park. My photos don’t even begin to show the volume of those attending.
Lovely photos, Audrey. We went to Fort Snelling National Cemetery yesterday where my father is buried; he was in the Navy in WWII.
Thank you, Kathleen. Ft. Snelling is on my list of places to visit. What an honorable way to spend part of your Memorial Day, remembering your father, who served our country.
Great post. The older gentleman “Navy Veteran” probably served with my Grandfather.
Your grandpa was a Navy man then?
I shared with Archie that my father was with the Army in Korea, fought as a combat infantryman on the front lines. Archie asked, “Did he make it back?” I thought that was profound, his immediate concern for his fellow serviceman. He clearly understood the Korean War.
Yes he was. It’s my understanding that he worked with and flew air planes in the Navy. I need to get the exact story written down while I still can. I’m sure his experiences are something that he will never forget.
Yes, you must get those stories down. My dad never said much about his time in Korea because of his horrible experiences there. He suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Neither did Grandpa but his brother who served with him was telling stories at Grandpa’s funeral
Ah, I see. Nice to have those stories.
I really enjoyed your photo essay. You have a knack for capturing the spirit of your community generation to generation and this was a stirring sentence you posted below I liked…
I’m proud to live in a community where patriotism and service to country and respect for the American flag and all it means runs strong from generation to generation.
Thank you, Sue. Randy and I took our kids to Faribault’s Memorial Day parade every year. It was part of our family’s tradition. I grew up attending, and participating in, the Memorial Day program every year in my hometown of Vesta. Memorial Day would not be the same without attending an event honoring those who lost their lives in service to our country.
The topic of community pride is forefront on my mind as the Faribault Daily News newspaper editor called out our community for a “lack of community pride.” She is right. Read this story to learn more: http://blogs.mprnews.org/newscut/2015/05/faribault-newspaper-editor-calls-out-her-city/
wow a shout out to you from editor who recognizes your foresight and talent! Did you post this in your column with a link? Perhaps I missed it. Apathy runs deep everywhere with attitude its someone else’s problem.
No, I didn’t post this link in a post. Just told my husband and kids.
Our local Memorial Day parade goes by our corner (one house away). We missed it this year because we were in Iowa. Thanks for sharing yours. Mr. Temple still looks dapper in his uniform.
Yes, I could not believe Archie Temple still fits into his uniform. I love when our veterans wear all or parts of their uniforms. I walked up to him and thanked him for his service to our country before asking if I could photograph him.