Monday is Memorial Day.

Veterans Day is devoted to recognizing the men and women who have served in our country’s armed forces. Memorial Day is set aside to remember those who died in service to our country.

This year’s program in Hutchinson starts with a parade. Assembly begins at 9:15 a.m. at Legion Post 96, 35 Third Ave. S.W. in downtown Hutchinson. At 9:30 a.m., the march to Veterans Memorial Park will proceed to and follow Hassan Street north. The program will begin at 10 a.m. No applause during services.

Program schedule
< Welcome by Commander Chris Kleiman, American Legion Post 96
< Pledge of Allegiance
< Invocation by Bruce Bjerklund by chaplain, American Legion Post 96
Tribute to Veterans of All Wars by Spencer Beytien, Commander VFW Post 906
< National Anthem by Hutchinson High School Band, Steve Pasche, director
< Dedication of Wreaths by Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary
< “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” by the Hutchinson High School Band, Steve Pasche, director
< Memorial Day Address by Donald Walser, judge advocate, American Legion, Department of Minnesota
< Honor Roll by Bruce Bjerklund, chaplain, American Legion, and Steve Brown, chaplain, VFW
< “America the Beautiful,” by the Hutchinson High School Band, Steve Pasche, director
< Benediction by Steve Brown, chaplain, VFW Post 906
< 21 Gun Salute by Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad
< “Taps,” by Wally Pikal
In case of inclement weather, program will be held in the Park Elementary School Auditorium.

This schedule also appears in the print edition of the Hutchinson Leader, Thursday, May 22, 2008.

(Kay Johnson is a staff writer at the Hutchinson Leader. She can be reached at johnson@hutchinsonleader.com).