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A Memorial Day program was held by the Paynesville American Legion and Legion Auxiliary in the school auditorium on Monday morning before a color guard ceremony at the Paynesville Cemetery and lunch at the Legion hall.

Wes Nehring, Jim Loomis, Kenny Albrecht, Don Lehman and Bob Hemmesch formed an honor guard at the Paynesvile Cemetery as part of the Paynesville Memorial Day program.

The Othmar Braun American Legion and Legion Auxiliary held a Mass and program at their hall near Lake Henry, as well, with a dinner following.

Imagine the freedoms we have, given by veterans, said Sen. Michelle Fischbach (R-Paynesville), the guest speaker at the Paynesville program. The youngest generation of veterans is now serving in many places, she added. "The nation called, and they answered," she said.

The history of Memorial Day also was shared at the Paynesville program. The first Memorial Day was celebrated in May 1868 to honor the dead from the Civil War.

In Lake Henry, Rich Philabaum of Roscoe, a past district commander in the American Legion, gave the address during the program again, following a Mass led by Father Leo Leisen. He recalled the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence and the sacrifices they made to establish freedom in this country.

The same patriotism is needed today, he said. "It makes no difference if it was 100 years ago or 100 days ago," he said. But some people take our liberties for granted, when they shouldn't, he added.

Rich Philabaum of Roscoe, a past district commander for the American Legion and the guest speaker at the Lake Henry American Legion on Memorial Day, salutes the flag as it is raised.

"America," he concluded, "is #1 thanks to its veterans."