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American Legion Post 56 Cmdr. Ole Olson speaks during the Memorial Day ceremony Monday at Graceland Cemetery. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Debbie Nordland sang the national anthem and other patriotic songs at the ceremony. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Dana Nelson of the Disabled American Veterans salutes after placing his wreath at the base of the veterans monument Monday at Graceland Cemetery. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Sgt. Colton Opsahl of the Minnesota National Guard places a wreath on a stand during the Placing of the Wreaths ceremony Monday at Graceland Cemetery for Memorial Day. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Al "Minnow" Brooks" pauses for a moment after placing a wreath in honor of POW-MIA Memorials. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Members of various branches of the military are recognized during the military medley Monday at the ceremony. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Members of various branches of the military are recognized during the military medley Monday at the ceremony. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Members of the American Legion Honor Guard take part in the volley fire at the Memorial Day ceremony Monday. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Bugler Ed Nelson of American Legion Post 56 plays taps Monday during the ceremony. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Members of the American Legion Riders raise their hands during "God Bless America" at the close of the Memorial Day ceremony on Monday. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Though Memorial Day is often known as the unofficial start to summer, it is actually much more than that, said Albert Lea American Legion Cmdr. Ole Olson on Monday during the annual Memorial Day ceremony at Graceland Cemetery.

Memorial Day, Olson said, is a day of remembrance for those men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country — in many times fighting for those who could not fight for themselves.

“Each died for a cause that was greater than their own life,” he said. “That’s what this day is about. For those that paid the ultimate sacrifice — they paid their tomorrows for our todays.”

He said poppies are given out to remind people what the day means.

On Memorial Day, people often get hung up with organizing picnics, who will do the cooking and what will take place afterward. But how many people really know the true meaning of Memorial Day.

The ceremony was the culmination of several events happening in the area that morning, including at various cemeteries and the Freeborn County Veterans Memorial, as well as the wreath drop over Fountain Lake with pilot Jim Hanson, who has taken part in the event for 52 years.

The Graceland Cemetery ceremony narrowly avoided the rain, which took place on and off throughout the day.

In addition to Olson’s speech, the ceremony included placing of the wreaths by representatives from Albert Lea veterans organizations, the Minnesota National Guard, Gold Star parents Don and Deb Goodnature and a POW-MIA representative, as well as musical selections, volley fire by the American Legion Post 56 Honor Guard and the playing of taps by bugler Ed Nelson.

Following the program, there was a free Memorial Day lunch for all veterans.

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