Memorial Day observed around Worth County

This Monday, people throughout the nation will honor those who gave their lives serving their country. Several area communities will hold their own Memorial Day services this Monday.
Government offices and most businesses will close on Monday to allow family and friends to gather to honor the memory of their loved ones.
• In Northwood, Memorial Day services begin at 11 a.m. at the Sunset Rest Cemetery.
Reverend Clay Ellingson, of Morehead, Minnesota, will be the speaker.
Musicians from the Northwood-Kensett High School band, directed by instructor Jared Barnes, will provide patriotic music. The VFW Color Guard will provide military honors.
In case of rain, the observance will be held in the Worth County Fairgrounds shelter house.
• Memorial Day services conducted by the VFW Color Guard will be held at the State Line Cemetery north of Northwood at 9 a.m.
In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the Shell Rock Community Center in Gordonsville.
• Memorial Day ceremonies will be held in the Kensett Community Center beginning at 9 a.m.
Kermit Singelstad will give the Memorial Day address. N-K graduating senior Ryder Lestrud will recite “In Flanders Field.” Nathan Hannemann, also a 2021 N-K graduate, will deliver the Gettysburg Address. The Northwood-Kensett Junior/Senior High School band will provide music throughout the ceremony. A Salute to the Dead will be provided by the local Honor Guard. Other speakers at the ceremony will include Herb Thompson, opening and closing the ceremony, as well as giving a tribute to deceased veterans.
Refreshments will be served afterwards.
• Memorial Day services in Manly will begin at the city park at 8:30 a.m. for those assembling to parade to the Manly Cemetery, for the Memorial Day services, which begin at 9 a.m.
The day’s ceremony will include a salute to the fallen, brief remarks, prayer, patriotic selections by the band, a rifle salute and taps.
Social distancing and masks are suggested.
• Memorial Day services will begin at 10 a.m. at the Grafton cemetery on Monday.
Participating will be the American Legion Honor Guard and the St. Ansgar Middle School Band.  The service will be conducted by Post Commander Philip Hackbart.
The guest speaker will be Natalie (Braun) Gregerson, a native of Grafton, daugher of Chris and Teresa Braun. She graduated from St. Ansg High School in 2009 and went on to work as marking officer for Capitol Bank in Madison, Wisconsin, and owner of Marketing Artisan, LLC. Her husband, Jake will provide special music for the service.
In case of inclement weather, services will be held in the Grafton Community Center.
• Sion Lutheran Church, in rural Northwood, will host a Memorial Day Dinner, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The menu features homemade scalloped potatoes and ham. The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children 10 and under.
• Elk Creek Lutheran Church, 4108 Killdeer Avenue, Kensett, will offer refreshments on  Memorial Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., hosted by the Elk Creek Lutheran Cemetery Association. With a free will donation, coffee and treats will be available to take and go. Donations go towards cemetery upkeep