Tom Roesch (third from left) plays “Taps” while Roger Hoffmann, Dave Hoffmann, Denny Warta, Jon Gohr, John Ingebritson, and Al Gag (L-R) salute the “Spirit of the American Doughboy” statue and its wreath. Local veterans put up the wreath every year to honor the soldiers who have died fighting for America.

NEW ULM — Those who sacrificed everything for us are on the mind as Memorial Day approaches.

The annual laying of the wreath on the “Spirit of the American Doughboy” statue at New Ulm Cemetery was held Thursday. Local veterans Dave Hoffmann, Roger Hoffmann, Denny Warta, Jon Gohr, John Ingebritson, and Al Gag saluted while Tom Roesch played “Taps”.

The statue is now adorned with a large circular wreath. Memorial Day red poppies dot the wreath in remembrance of soldiers who lost their lives defending America. The red board in the middle reminds veterans why the wreath is displayed annually. ‘Lest we forget’.

The New Ulm Memorial Day Observance begins at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 27. The parade will form at the City Cemetery and go down Cemetery Avenue.

The memorial program will follow at 10. The New Ulm Municipal Band and Concord Singers will both perform the music. Commander of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 15 Michael Finstad will be the Master of Ceremonies.

Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Stevens will be the keynote speaker. Stevens served 20 years in the Marines starting in 1995. He participated in several operations, including Exercise Eager Mace and Operation Southern Watch in Kuwait, and Exercise Sea Soldier in Oman.

His medals include a 3-star Afghanistan Campaign, 2-star Iraq Campaign, Meritorious Service Award, and Global War on Terrorism Service.

Recent graduate Joey Kotten will give the Gettysburg Address. Kotten has been a Legion Boys State Delegate and Troop 5 Eagle Scout. He plays drums for the Ulmer Quartet and will be pursuing a finance major at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls.

If there is inclement weather, the Memorial Program will be held in the Community Center at 600 North German Street.