On a rainy Memorial Day (May 27, 2019), Daniel R. Olsen Post 594 participated in its first ever ceremony at a local cemetery. Even though it was lightly raining, spirits were high for members of the Post and families that gathered at St. John’s Cemetery at the corner of Diffley and Blackhawk Roads in Eagan.
Many family members of those residing in the cemetery gathered to hear the service. The service was performed at the grave of veteran Lawrence Linkert who passed away September 27, 2017.
Post Adjutant Wayne Beierman preceded over the ceremony and the Post Color Guard provided a professional tone to the event. A prayer was read by Chaplain John Clinkenbeard and was followed by Service Officer Rob Cahalan who placed a wreath symbol of our remembrance for the departed veterans. This was followed by Cheryl Seanoa white flower to symbolize purity on this veteran’s grave; Paul Kovach who placed a red flower as a tribute of our devotion and everlasting remembrance; and Auxiliary President Sandy Smith who placed a blue flower as an emblem of eternity.
Then Adjutant Beierman placed a flag at the grave with the words “The flag of our country was theirs to defend. Its glorious colors shall wave over them in death as in life – for everyone to behold.” This was followed by Present Arms by the Color Guard and Eagan High School student Olivia Dykes who played Taps.
Pictures from the event: