Hastings remembers

Remember, honor and appreciate.

Do these, Hastings resident and Gold Star Mother Merrilee Carlson asked the Memorial Day audience at Roadside Park Monday morning.

Carlson's son, Michael, 22, died Jan. 24, 2005. He was one of five soldiers who died in Mohammed Sacrtan, Iraq, when their Bradley Fighting Vehicle overturned. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, Vilseck, Germany.

Carlson is executive director of Minnesota Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission, a not-for-profit organization. It is a grassroots coalition of Gold Star and Blue Star families including some with loved ones serving in the military, veterans, and Americans who share a deep appreciation for the men and women in uniform and support them.

Carlson talked about her son; he, too, was a Raider, she said, a Cretin Derham Hall Raider who wrestled against the Hastings High School Raiders.

She talked about appreciating and honoring the veterans and their families.

"You can live forever in how you have affected others," she said. "We can continue to make America the best country."

She expected to hear this week from other veterans who had served with her son.

"Michael made them all stronger, and they made him stronger," she said. "Our entire nation is built on men and women like Mike."

Freedom sometimes comes with a price.

"Defending and protecting the United States can be hazardous," Carlson said. "But each service person gives time so we can have the gift, which is our freedom, a gift that we can share with future generations."

She urged the members of the audience to be sure the veterans know they are appreciated.

"That cannot be said enough," she said.

"It is never too late to thank those around us, Let us honor and appreciate them. Let freedom live in our hearts and daily lives."

Hastings Mayor Paul Hicks also asked the audience to remember and thank the veterans.

"America's past and present freedom we owe to the veterans," he said. "They must never be forgotten."

Other ceremonies were held at the Minnesota Veterans Home, Soldiers and Sailor Cemetery, and the Veterans Memorial Levee.

Jim Holmes was master of ceremonies. Nicole Brown sang the national anthem. The Rev. Paris Pasch gave the innovation and benediction. Adam Ernst and Joel Farber played "Taps."

The Lyle Russell Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1210, Nelson Lucking American Legion Post 47, and their auxiliaries hosted the programs.