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The Lake Henry Color Guard marches to the markers honoring the war dead at Memorial Day services at the Othmar Braun American Legion Post.

The two local legion posts - in Paynesville and Lake Henry - celebrated Memorial Day again this year with patriotic programs.

"Take the time to listen to the stories of veterans who sacrificed so much," urged Rich Philabaum, former post commander, who addressed the Lake Henry service. "If you don't take the time, someday those stories will be silent."

Jim Millard - a member of the Paynesville Army Reserve detachment - was the main speaker at the Paynesville program. He thanked all the families and employers who make it possible for men and women to serve in the reserves.

And, he thanked the community for the yellow ribbon hung at the base in Paynesville, which showed the unit that the community cared for it when it returned from a nine-month deployment last year.

Betty Freilinger, president of the Paynesville American Legion Auxiliary, drops a poppy in honor of each of the area veterans who died in the past year.

Every year, concluded Philabaum, his final message is: "America is #1 because of its veterans."