By Sarah Light, staff writer

Gov. Tim Pawlenty will make his second visit to Albert Lea in two months during the Freeborn County Veterans Memorial dedication on Memorial Day, his office announced Tuesday.

The dedication will take place at the site of the memorial on the lawn of the Freeborn County Government Center at 2:30 p.m., after a Memorial Day parade that starts at 1:30 p.m.

Sandy Maiden, chairwoman of the Veterans Memorial Dedication Committee, said the governor agreed to come to the event after different people made phone calls, sent e-mail messages and posted letters to his office starting in January.

Maiden said during the event Pawlenty will probably be speaking about the importance of the memorial. His visit will help make the dedication even more special to attend, she said.

&8220;It always does when you have your top officials coming into town,&8221; she said. &8220;It shows that your state government really does care. I&8217;ve been excited.&8221;

State Sen. Dan Sparks will make an appearance during the parade taking place prior to the dedication.

The dedicatory celebration will include music by the Albert Lea Cantori, a 21-gun salute, recognition of prisoners of war, a wreath presentation and a speech by Command Sgt. Major Paul Ragatz of the First Brigade Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota National Guard.

Following the dedication, Maiden said, there will be a reception at the American Legion Post 56 building, which she&8217;s hoping the governor will attend.

For more information on the dedication, contact Maiden at 377-1223.