Big crowd turns out to honor the fallen at Hastings Memorial Day Ceremony

By John McLoone
Posted 5/30/25

A large and respectful crowd gathered Monday morning at the Hastings Riverfront Veterans Memorial to commemorate Memorial Day, a solemn day of remembrance for the men and women of the United States …

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Big crowd turns out to honor the fallen at Hastings Memorial Day Ceremony

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A large and respectful crowd gathered Monday morning at the Hastings Riverfront Veterans Memorial to commemorate Memorial Day, a solemn day of remembrance for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
Organized by Hastings American Legion Post 47 and VFW Post 1210 along with their Ladies Auxiliaries, the annual service drew veterans, civic leaders, youth participants, and community members united in tribute. The program featured a blend of tradition, heartfelt speeches, and musical tributes under sunny skies.
Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Mark Gelhar, commander of VFW Post 1210, who opened the ceremony with gratitude for the crowd’s presence and a reminder of the day's true purpose — to remember the fallen.
“We gather today not just to mourn their loss, but to honor their lives and their service,” Gelhar said. “This is a day of reflection and gratitude.”
The invocation was offered by Pastor Paris Pasch of The Journey Church, who reminded attendees of the spiritual weight of the moment. “We invite God into these gatherings as we remember those who served and those who died,” Pasch said. He spoke of the need to carry on the values of courage, community, and service that the fallen exemplified. “Freedom is never free,” he said, in a moving prayer that concluded with a resounding “Amen” from the crowd.
Following the prayer, Lorelei Hartman delivered a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, her voice strong despite recovering from illness just days earlier.
The ceremony continued with patriotic readings from student essay contest winners. Eighth-grader Margaret Schneider, winner of the Patriot Pen contest, spoke about the importance of speaking up in a democracy. “Our voices are powerful tools. They allow us to challenge injustices and inspire action,” she said.
Lorelei Hartman, the Voice of Democracy winner, delivered a passionate speech on the vision of America’s founding fathers and the freedoms preserved by those who served. Having traveled abroad, Hartman reflected on the freedoms Americans often take for granted. “I know it is a gift — a gift worked hard for, given with blood, sweat and tears,” she said. Her speech earned her accolades at the district and state levels, where she was named runner-up in the Minnesota state competition.
Hastings Mayor Mary Fasbender gave the Memorial Day address, acknowledging the deep meaning of the day and paying tribute to those lost in the past year. She read aloud the names of local veterans who passed away. The moment concluded with a solemn silence observed by all in attendance.
“Memorial Day is more than a long weekend,” Fasbender reminded the audience. “It is a day to honor courage, dedication, and sacrifice — and to reflect on the freedoms secured by those who laid down their lives.”
The mayor urged the community to remember, reflect, and act. “By supporting veterans, sharing their stories, and flying the flag, we honor their memory and strengthen our country,” she said.
As part of the ceremony, the flag was raised and then lowered to half-staff, and a wreath was placed at the memorial in tribute to the fallen. Local students Vivian Peterson and Rachel Fisher played Taps to close out the observances with reverent tones echoing over the river.
The event concluded with a closing prayer from Pastor Pasch, who commended the community for its dedication to remembrance. “Well done, community,” he said. “May we live lives that honor the fallen — with courage, conviction, and kindness.”