Minnesota's Standing Of The Memorial Guard Begins Sunday

The Law Enforcement Memorial Association (LEMA) announced the annual Standing of the Memorial Guard for Sunday May 14, 2017 at 7 p.m. when officers from all over Minnesota travel to Saint Paul to the State Police Memorial where they stand in silent vigil for 30 minutes shifts. This is to keep alive the memories of the 278 fallen law enforcement officer in Minnesota who have lost their lives while protecting their communities, according to organizers.

This vigil will continue throughout the night and until the following day when the officer will complete the standing guard at 7:00pm.

Police Memorial Day Observances

Following the Standing of the Memorial Guard on May 15, the Law Enforcement Memorial Association will host a Candlelight Service starting at 7:30 p.m. which will be held at the Peace Officers Memorial at the base of the Minnesota State Capitol Mall. Officers, their families and the general public are invited to attend this moving celebration where tribute is paid to all 278 officers through a combination of police bagpipe music, and musical selections.

The musical group this year is this internationally acclaimed Gospel/Bluegrass band “Monroe Crossing.” This year’s guest speaker is Pastor Dawn Houser from Aitkin–reflecting on the loss of Deputy Steven Sandberg. Special tributes will be paid to Hayfield Chief Douglas Claassen EOW 3-13-99, and the family of DNR Game Warden Marcus Whipps EOW 7-12-40, according to a news release.

The ceremony will be begin at 7:25 p.m. on Monday with a parade of law enforcement honor guards who will march to the Capital grounds from Wabasha and Exchange. The event concludes with a ceremonial firing party, taps and final musical selections which will include the Minnesota Police Band playing Amazing Grace.

A reception will be hosted by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association following the service at the St. Paul National Guard Armory located at 600 Cedar Street. A complete list of fallen Minnesota officers is found on the LEMA website.

Image via Minnesota National Guard, Flickr, used under Creative Commons