Photo by Deb Gau As the keynote speaker at the Memorial Day program in Marshall, Jason Swenson talked about the impact that U.S. military service members had for their countries and families

MARSHALL — As he was preparing to speak at Marshall’s Memorial Day program, Jason Swenson tried to describe Memorial Day in one word. He said for him, the word that kept coming to mind was “honor.”

“Since it was created, Memorial Day has been a time to acknowledge our family, friends and loved ones who answered a calling when our nation was in need, and gave everything,” Swenson said Monday. “On this day, we remember those who risked it all in conflicts, or missions large and small, for the hometowns and neighborhoods they came from.”

Members of the American Legion and VFW Honor Guard held Memorial Day services at Marshall area cemeteries, as well as a program at Liberty Park. In reading out the orders for the day, Curt Fried highlighted the origins of Memorial Day. In 1868, May 30 was designated as Decoration Day, a time when people were called to decorate the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers.

Now, Memorial Day is a time to honor all military service members who gave their lives for their country, speakers said.

“Since its formal creation in 1971, Americans have come together to honor the fallen by visiting cemeteries, memorials or holding family gatherings to celebrate the freedom that was earned through sacrifice,” Swenson said.

“Let us remember today as we leave, freedom is not free. Never forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms,” said Bruce Fuhrmann.

As keynote speaker at the program, Swenson reflected on what Memorial Day meant for him and his family. While Swenson said he had never served in the armed forces, members of his family had, including his grandfather, great-uncles and uncles.

“Today, I have a nephew, Quincy Swenson, who is proudly serving in the Army,” he said. “I’m also very proud of my colleagues and friends here in Marshall, Minnesota, who have served or are continuing to serve today.”

“It is no secret that democracy and freedom have required sacrifices,” Swenson said. “Our men and women in uniform are the ones who make those sacrifices to keep us free, no matter the cost.”

Swenson drew on his background as a teacher and school principal to suggest ways for families to teach their children about the importance of Memorial Day.

Families can leave flags on the graves of local military men and women, learn a song that celebrates America, or read a book that highlights patriotism, Swenson said. Even being able to hold a family gathering on Memorial Day was a way to honor the sacrifices of service members.

Other ways to honor service members included “adopting” a military family to show extra kindness to.

“These acts of kindness can go a long way,” Swenson said. The most important way to remember Memorial Day, he said, was by saying “thank you” to service members and their families.

“Memorial Day can be hard for those who have lost someone in military service. Let us teach our kids to recognize that these people have sacrificed something for the freedom we all have,” Swenson said.