Memorial Day observed quietly in Detroit Lakes Monday

Members of the Lake Region Veterans Color Guard stood at attention as they awaited the presentation of the colors to start off Monday's Memorial Day observance at Veterans Memorial Park in Detroit Lakes. The abbreviated ceremony included a 21-gun salute and performance of "Taps." (Vicki Gerdes / Tribune)

By Vicki Gerdes and Vicki Gerdes

May 26, 2020 at 1:39 PM

There were no parades, no concerts, and no large-scale ceremonies of any kind to commemorate Memorial Day in Detroit Lakes this past Monday, May 25. Continuing concerns over the spread of the coronavirus rendered such gatherings taboo.

Members of the Lake Region Veterans Color Guard delivered a 21-gun salute in front of an appreciative, but small crowd at Detroit Lakes' Veterans Memorial Park on Monday, May 25. (Vicki Gerdes / Tribune)

But there was a small ceremony held at Detroit Lakes' Veterans Memorial Park, complete with a 21-gun salute and performance of "Taps" by members of the Lake Region Veterans Color Guard.

A small crowd of around 30 people spread themselves around the park to watch the ceremony, which took just under 15 minutes to complete. Spontaneous applause broke out among the spectators as the veterans gathered together for a group picture following the abbreviated festivities.

The Avenue of Flags was also displayed at Oak Grove Cemetery throughout the weekend, and a group of local soldiers set up a display of more than 80 American flags along the Detroit Lakes City Beach.