Every Memorial Day, hundreds of flags attached to white crosses with names of fallen soldiers line the streets of Duluth.
The city's show of patriotism is an important part of its identity this time of year, as well as a source of pride. In 2002, a year after 9-11, Thom Mash, Adjutant of American Legion Post 251 contacted then-Mayor Shirley Lasseter about working together on a program with more relevance and focus.
They came up with the idea of singling out one segment of the veteran population to honor in special ways every year.
Years past have included programs customized for World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans, as well as Gold Star Families and more. At this year's program that starts at 6 p.m. today at the Duluth Festival Center Amphitheater and Town Green, Mayor Nancy Harris will declare May 28 Purple Heart Day. Mash said there are approximately 350 Purple Heart Recipients living nearby.
On Saturday, many of them will receive a specially made coin from the city and the American Legion in a solemn ceremony involving the American Legion Riders.
“Duluth is a very patriotic city,” Mash said. "The American Legion has donated money to the city to help add and repair the flags and markers they put out for Memorial Day, the 4th of July and Veterans Day. There are about 800 of them with names of Duluth residents.”
The ceremony involves prayers, keynote speaker Rep. Rob Woodall, and a salute to fallen heroes by American Legion Riders and their motorcycles. The Riders also will present and discuss a display of donated items including boots, barbed wire, a helmet with dog tags, rifles, a teddy bear and a white rose.
Each item has meaningful symbolism for the group, such as the barbed wire that represents POWs and MIAs and the boots for those who’ve marched for freedom, the teddy bear to remember how loss in wartime affects families and children.
“The wreath is from the American Legion Riders themselves,” said Mike Hendrick, American Legion Riders Director, Post 251. “It represents the undying love and affection we have for all our fallen heroes."
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