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BRAINERD — A rainy Memorial Day kept the streets of northeast Brainerd clear of parade marchers this year, the vacant roadways an oddly befitting tribute to those honored on the holiday. The annual Evergreen Cemetery ceremony moved inside to the Brainerd Armory, rain clouds not keeping the community from remembering their fallen brothers and sisters on Monday, May 27. The Brainerd High School marching band kicked off the solemn celebration with a rendition of “America the Beautiful.

” Following the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem, Auxiliary representatives placed memorial flowers, with Shirley Kuhn contributing a yellow flower, representing the Gold Star Mothers who lost children in service. Natalie Petersen, assistant veterans service officer at Crow Wing County, gave the keynote address, recalling those she served with during her two tours in Iraq as a mechanic and vehicle recovery specialist with the U.S.



Army. “While many see this as a long weekend to enjoy with their families, attend barbecues and take a long vacation, there are so many people that have a reason to take this time and reflect on those that have served our great nation and made the ultimate sacrifice to our country and for our freedom,” Petersen said. “Husbands, fathers, sons; wives, mothers, daughters that left home to serve the country they loved and never made it home.

” ADVERTISEMENT As a female veteran, Petersen said she wanted to pay special respects Monday to her sisters in arms.

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