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Community Celebrations
Memorial Day 2024
May 27 @ 10:30 am - 4:00 pm
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Join Lakewood on this special day of commemoration to honor and reflect on the service of veterans who fell in the line of duty, while also remembering those who are loved and missed from our own families. This event is free and all are welcome. Check back as the event date gets closer for more information about speakers, music, and offerings.
On this page: Ceremony details | Post-ceremony activities | Getting to the event | FAQs
Memorial Day Ceremony | 10:30–11:30 AM
Onsite at the Soldier’s Memorial | Free and open to all
We are honored to invite you back to Lakewood’s grounds for this treasured tradition. Seating will be provided, but we encourage you to bring your own chairs and blankets, especially if you plan to arrive closer to the start of the ceremony as seats may fill up fast.
Keynote Speaker: Cathy Wurzer
Cathy Wurzer is the host of Morning Edition and Minnesota Now on MPR News. She is also the co-host of Almanac, a weekly public affairs program produced by Twin Cities Public Television for Minnesota’s statewide public television network. She is the founder of the End in Mind Project, a nonprofit organization that takes the universal experience of dying to help people re-imagine what it means to live fully at any stage of life.
Ceremony Vocalist: T Mychael Rambo
T. Mychael Rambo is a 3-time Regional Emmy Award winning actor, vocalist, arts educator and public speaker; who has made an indelible mark here in the Twin Cities performing principle roles at such theaters as: the Guthrie, Penumbra, Ten Thousand Things, the Ordway, Illusion, Mixed Blood, Park Square, Children’s and Minnesota Opera to name but a few. Nationally and internationally his stage credits include Carnegie Hall and performances abroad in Africa, Europe and South America. T. Mychael is an accomplished school/community residency artist (with programs like COMPAS and VocalEssence) and affiliate professor in the College of Liberal Arts, Theatre Arts and Dance at the University of Minnesota.
Ceremonialist: Mary Vidas
An ordained Celebrant, Life Tribute Professional/Officiant, and Interfaith Clinical Chaplain serving the Minnesota and Twin Cities area, Mary is known for her quality of care, community engagement, and compassionate service. Often called upon to serve our veterans and military families, Mary provides counseling and support to those experiencing grief and trauma, experiencing sudden or difficult loss, or facing critical health and life transitions. Recipient of the Arthur Naftalin Award for Public Service, Mary also works closely with organizations and community groups in designing and officiating inclusive living tributes, dedications, and public celebrations.
Ceremony Band: MN Freedom Band
The Minnesota Freedom Band is a Twin Cities-based, non-profit community band that celebrates and uplifts GLBTQIA+ musicians. We are committed to representing and honoring our communities through quality performances, opportunities to improve musicianship, and building relationships within and among our various communities.
Ceremony Color Guard: Viking Composite Squadron
The Viking Composite Squadron is a squadron of the Minnesota Wing, Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force. They are comprised of a diverse and remarkable set of individuals bonded together by a common desire to serve their communities, state, and nation.
Post-Ceremony Activities
Welcome Center Activities | 12–4 PM
The doors to our new Welcome Center are now open and we’re ready to serve families and visitors from the new building. While you’re there, explore the beautiful new space and surrounding gardens.
- Enjoy a free cookie and coffee
- Write a postcard to a Veteran
- Pick up a ribbon for the Living Memory Tree
- Seek assistance with burial searches
Visit the Historic Memorial Chapel | 12–4 PM
Explore the beauty of Lakewood’s historic Memorial Chapel, a stunning example of Byzantine-style art and architecture.
- View the space, brochures available for self-guided visits
- Music by David Harland, 12–2 PM
- Minnesota Community Sings, 2–3 PM
Trolley Tours | 12–3 PM
Queues to board at the Memorial Chapel
Hop aboard for a free 30 to 40-minute guided tour of Lakewood’s grounds. Limited spots are available, and seating is first-come, first-served. While we do our best to keep the trolleys on schedule, timing may change.
Trolley tours are scheduled to start at approximately 12 noon, 12:15, 12:30, 1, 1:15, 1:30, 2, 2:15, 2:30 and 3 PM.
Flower Tent
During Memorial Day weekend, you can purchase fresh floral bouquets for loved ones’ graves. Look for the tent just inside our main gate. You can also find containers for bouquets of fresh flowers and a limited number of small flags along the main road as you enter the cemetery. You may use them free of charge.
Como-Harriet Streetcar | 9:30 AM–7:30 PM
Board at the pedestrian gate near Bde Maka Ska
Take a ride on the historic Como-Harriet Streetcar Line and enjoy the scenic views between Lakewood and Lake Harriet. The streetcar leaves approximately every 15 minutes and round-trip tickets are $3 per person. (Children under 3 are free.)
Locating a Grave
If you need assistance locating a grave, we have several helpful options:
- Our website’s burial search feature includes printable maps, as well as GPS directions using Google Maps
- Visit our Welcome Center where anyone on the Lakewood team can assist
- Stop by our Information Kiosk, accessed from the lower east side of the administration building
- Call or email our office in advance for directions. Call 612-822-2171, or email info@lakewoodcemetery.org
Parking and Transportation
Driving Directions
The Memorial Day ceremony takes place at the Soldier’s Memorial. Signs will be posted directing you to the ceremony site. Click here for GPS directions (this will open Google maps). This link may take you an alternate route than our signs direct and some roads may be closed for the ceremony.
You may park along roads in the cemetery, except where there are “no parking” signs. Traffic in the cemetery on Memorial Day can be heavily congested, especially when entering or exiting the cemetery at the 36th Street & Hennepin Avenue entrance. To avoid traffic congestion, you can also use the 40th Street gate, which is open on Memorial Day.
Due to the popularity of this event, we strongly encourage carpooling. A limited number of parking spaces will be available near the ceremony and celebration areas – signs will be posted directing you to the ceremony handicap parking.
Bus Directions
A bus stop is located right outside of Lakewood at 36th and Hennepin, from there it is approximately a 3/4 mile walk to the ceremony site, or a brief walk to the celebration site.
Bike Directions
Lakewood has a small bike rack near the front gates. Please do not lock bikes to any of our signs or trees. Please use caution when biking through Lakewood on Memorial Day as we see a heavy increase in traffic. We strongly encourage bike riders to park their bike and walk.
Como-Harriet Historic Streetcar
Looking for a fun and exciting way to get to Lakewood for Memorial Day without having to park onsite? Consider taking the Como-Harriet Streetcar! You can park near Lake Harriet station and take the streetcar between the two destinations. Streetcar runs from 9:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. The streetcar leaves approximately every 15 minutes and costs $3 per person, round trip.
FAQs
What happens in the event of rain, storms, or other inclement weather?
In the event of inclement weather the ceremony will be moved in Lakewood’s historic chapel. This reduces seating to about 130 seats on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will be live streaming the chapel regardless of rain or shine.
Will there be seating at the ceremony?
Yes! We will have folding chairs setup for the ceremony. Please note they are often in the sun if it’s a sunny day. You are welcome to bring your own blankets or chairs as well.
Can children attend?
Of course! All ages are welcome to join us on Memorial Day. Please just make sure all children have an adult with them and they do not lean or climb on any monuments.
Are pets or dogs allowed?
Unfortunately, Lakewood does not allow dogs or other pets onsite, please let your pets at home. Service animals are permitted.
Are food and drink permitted?
Yes, you are welcome to bring light snacks and beverages. Please make sure to clean up and not leave any trash on the grounds. Alcohol is not permitted onsite at Lakewood.
How can I contact the organizer with questions?
We’d love to hear from you! Email us at events@lakewoodcemetery.org or call 612-540-5165.
Questions? Call (612) 540-5165 or email us at events@lakewoodcemetery.org.
