Community braves rain to honor fallen vets on Memorial Day

Severe weather didn’t stop area residents from paying tribute to the many fallen veterans who have served.
Although the parades were cancelled due to heavy rain, both Blooming Prairie and Owatonna held Memorial Day Programs at the BP Servicemen’s Club and the Steele County Four Season Centre, respectively, on Monday, May 27.
Approximately 250 people attending the event in Blooming Prairie where lunch was served.
Joyce Johns was the master of ceremonies, and the program started with prayer by Bev Hoveland, the VFW Aux. Chaplain. 
That was followed by some patriotic songs by the Four Plus One Singers. Then Carol Holman from the Voice of Democracy presented the first, second and third-place awards to area Blooming Prairie students for patriotic art. Each student took time to describe their work of art and where their inspiration came from. 
Chairman of the Veterans Memorial Committee Tom Peterson gave an update on the Veterans Memorial Fundraiser and there was a drawing for the Veterans Memorial Raffle.
Finally, arguably the most anticipated part of the day was when the winners were announced for the 12 Quilts of Valor. The winners were Burnell Hanson, Don Clemmenson, Denny Long, Rob White, David Oswald, Joel Burr, Ron Nelson, Charles Wagner, Mike Hoffman, Zachary Hoffman, Ethan Hoffman and Stacie Hoffman.