Proctor honors its fallen members in Memorial Day Ceremony

The city of Proctor gathered together on Monday to observe those who gave their lives for the country in the armed forces. The Memorial Day observance ceremony was held in the morning on the front lawn of the Proctor Community Center.

“This observance has been with Proctor for 103 years. Days like today are how we come together to make it special, and to show our respect,” said Jake Benson, the event’s master of ceremonies.

Many community members came to recognize their fallen community members. Local organizations participated in the event in different ways. The Proctor Community Band performed before the event began, Proctor Boy Scout Troop 84 led the audience in the pledge of allegiance and Proctor High School student Olivia Morin-Swanson sang the national anthem.

This year’s speakers were Tom Meadath from the VFW Post 137, and Dave Anderson, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Division Chief.

Sixty deceased Proctor veterans were recognized at the event, a locomotive bell chimed after each name was read aloud.

After the event civilians were encouraged to follow the tour of six rural cemeteries around the area. The Proctor American Legion Honor Guard visited Pine Hill, Midway; Midway Christian Fellowship; Solway; Twig, Grand Lake; Pike Lake, Canosia; and Janzig, Hermantown.

For more information on what other Memorial Day events happened Monday around the Duluth area, click here.