A veteran salutes during the Memorial Day Program at Faribault’s Central Park.
MEMORIAL DAY IN FARIBAULT, like in so many other American towns, honors veterans through patriotic tradition.
Steve Bonde plays patriotic tunes on a downtown Faribault street corner before the start of the Memorial Day parade.
Parade goers listen to Bonde as they await the start of the parade.
A barber cuts hair in his barbershop across the street, parade-goers reflected in his shop window.
A parade follows Central Avenue through our historic downtown, ending in nearby Central Park.
Grand Marshall Vicki McDowell with her husband, Honorary Grand Marshall Myles McDowell.
Each year I expect the same—the police cars and fire trucks, the Color Guard and honored veterans,
the bands and Scouts,
the kids and candy and politicians,
the vintage cars and the horses.
A restored vintage Tilt-A-Whirl provides a parade viewing spot in the heart of downtown. The Tilt-A-Whirl was invented in Faribault and, up until several years ago, was still made here.
Only the faces change, and sometimes not even those.
A volunteer hands out programs at Central Park.
Printed on the back of the program and read by master of ceremonies Gordy Kosfeld.
After the parade, folks gather at Central Park for the Memorial Day program, this year the 149th.
A table setting at American Legion Post 43 honors the POW-MIAs.
Afterwards, some—mostly vets and their families—go to the Legion for a luncheon and additional remembrances.
The luncheon serving line set against a backdrop of photos of local Legion Post 43 commanders.
There’s a certain comfort in embracing this day with time-honored traditions. Traditions remind me year after year after year that we still live in a free nation. Each Memorial Day I can set my lawn chair curbside along Central Avenue. I can take photos without retribution. I can stand for my flag and applaud and smile. On this day, I am grateful.
© Copyright 2018 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
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