May 29, 2013 - Memorial Day Program

The firing squad offers a salute to fallen soldiers during the 2013 Memorial Day program at the Menno Cemetery Monday, May 27.

Members of the firing squad and Menno High School marching band stand at attention opposite each other during the Memorial Day ceremony earlier this week.

Capt. Debra Bodentedt, second from right, a retired member of the United States Navy, gave the keynote speech at the Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 27. Also pictured with Bodenstedt is, from left to right, Bruce Anderson, Gary Schelske and Shirlene Simonsen, all members of Rames-Bender American Legion Post 152.

Fresh flowers and crisp flags were in abundance at the Menno Cemetery on Memorial Day.

Menno resident Tom Ulmer provided guitar music during the Memorial Day ceremony Monday morning, May 27.

Several dozen members of the Menno community gathered on lawn chairs or on the grass to take in the Memorial Day program, which included the playing of "Taps," the reading of honor rolls and special music by the Menno High School marching band.

The color guard approaches the dais where the Memorial Day program took place at the Menno Cemtery Monday, May 27.

The color guard leads the way with the Menno High School marching band close behind on its way attend the annual Memorial Day program Monday morning.

Shirlene Simonsen, commander of the Rames-Bender American Legion Post 152, addresses the audience during the program.

Gary Schelske salutes the American flag following the Memorial Day ceremony earlier this week.

Spectators chose a comfortable spot, either in the warm morning sun or in the shade of a tree, to take in the annual program, which focuses on honoring the sacrifice of the men and women who died in service to their country.

Members of the Menno High School marching band perform during the Memorial Day service Monday, May 27.