NEW ULM — Due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional Memorial Day parade and ceremony at New Ulm Cemetery will not be held. Instead, a Memorial Day observance will be broadcast on radio station KNUJ starting at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 25.

Downtown businesses are asked to display their flags at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day.

The Memorial Day broadcast will feature Wil Burdorf as master of ceremonies.

Burdorf grew up in Hamburg and graduated from Glencoe High School in 1959. Wil entered the U.S. Air Force for eight years and then took a seven year break before entering the Minnesota National Guard for 21 years, with four years in the Inactive Ready Reserve. He is the current post commander of VFW Post 1648 and he has served another 13 times as post commander. He was 2nd District VFW commander and has held many positions in the VFW 2nd District. He has also served as Legion Post 132 post commander and several 2nd District positions.

Musical selections will be played during the broadcast.

The Gettysburg Address will be presented by Maggie Fliszar, a 2020 graduate of Cathedral High School. She is the middle child in a family of four. Her sister is currently serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. During her high school career Maggie has served as student body president. She has served as captain of the volleyball and basketball teams and has been a member of the track team. She attended the Legion Auxiliary Girls State in 2019.

The Memorial Address will be presented by Jordan Petersen, a 2020 honor graduate of New Ulm High School. He is the son of Mark and Julie Petersen and the grandson of Korean War and U.S. Navy veteran Elroy R. Wagner. In the fall he will begin classes at Gustavus Adolphus College. Jordan plans to double major in Secondary Mathematics Education and Athletic Training. At New Ulm High School Jordan has been a member of National Honor Society and has recently been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by the Rotary Club of New Ulm. He attended Legion Boys State in 2 0 1 9.

A traditional salute will be performed by the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard, followed by a salute by the New Ulm Battery, commanded by Ryan Kelly.

This will be followed by a reading of the names of the New Ulm area deceased veterans for the past year. A moment of silence for all deceased veterans will be held, followed by Taps, played by Sam Arsers, and the National Anthem.

The ceremony is sponsored by the Joint Veterans Council: VFW Post 1648, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 15 and Auxiliary, American Legion Post 132 and Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 132.