Memorial Day 2026
May 25
Memorial Day at Lakewood
Monday, May 25, 2026
Join Lakewood on this special day of commemoration to honor and reflect on the service of active-duty military service members who fell in the line of duty. This event is free and all are welcome. More information will be announced this spring!
On this page: Ceremony Details | Activities | Parking and Transportation | FAQs
Memorial Day Ceremony | 10:30–11:15 AM
We are honored to invite you back to Lakewood for this treasured tradition. The ceremony will be held at Soldiers Memorial, located in Section 24. More details, including performers and keynote speaker, will be announced as the event gets closer.
The Ceremony will be livestreamed directly on this page on Memorial Day.
Ceremony Speakers
Keynote Speaker: Jackson Piper
Jackson Piper is a Minneapolis-based historian and genealogist. He currently serves as Junior Vice Commander of Col. William Colvill Camp 56, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and as Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He is an active member of the Living History Society of Minnesota and a Companion of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. In addition to the history of Minnesota in the Civil War, Jackson’s other research interests include Minnesota’s German history.
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 Musicians
Vocalist – Bradley Beahen
Bradley Beahen is honored to provide music for today’s Memorial Day service at Lakewood Cemetery. As a music director and conductor, he has worked with Lyric Arts, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Normandale Community College, Old Log Theatre, and Theater Latté Da. As a performer, he has appeared Off-Broadway with the York Theatre in New York City, and locally at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, the History Theatre, and the Ordway, as well as at regional theaters across the country. He is especially grateful to participate in today’s remembrance in honor of his late grandfathers, both veterans.
Performance of “Ragged Ol’ Flag” by Sherwin Linton
Sherwin Linton’s prolific entertainment career includes twenty nationally charted records, multiple CMA and ACM nominations, a million selling anti-drunk driving Christmas novelty song and his 2023 double CD set “Sunday Drives with Mom and Dad” was recognized with a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album.
Ceremony Band: The Minnesota Freedom Band
The Minnesota Freedom Band is a Twin Cities-based LGBTQIA+ community band. The band was organized in 1982 to provide an opportunity for LGBTQ+ musicians and their allies to play music as their authentic selves in a safe, inclusive environment.
Watch Last Year’s Ceremony
Memorial Day Activities
Join us after the Memorial Day ceremony for guided activities and experiences across our grounds. More information will be shared as the event gets closer.
Living Memory Tree
Honor a loved one by tying a ribbon to our Living Memory Tree. Ribbons will be available in the Welcome Center.
Postcards to Veterans
Compose a postcard thanking a local veteran for their sacrifice and service. Postcards will be delivered to the VA after Memorial Day.
1-2pm | Minnesota Community Sings in Chapel
Join Minnesota Community Sings in the Memorial Chapel from 1-2pm to sing along with well-known songs that are reflective of Memorial Day, community, and remembrance.
Self-Guided Veterans Tour
Starting at the Soldier’s Memorial, our ceremony site, take a short self-guided tour and learn about several men and women who served our country and are memorialized at Lakewood. This interactive tour is hosted on Storymaps and will open a new window on the Storymaps page.
Lakewood Memorial Chapel
Visit the beautiful and historic Lakewood Memorial Chapel throughout the day. This quiet and reflective space will be open for all to explore from 10am – 4:00pm. Please note: If the ceremony needs to be moved into the chapel due to weather, the chapel may not be available until after noon.
Parking and Transportation
The ceremony takes place at the Soldier’s Memorial at Lakewood Cemetery. This beautiful monument provides a lot of open space for us to gather while also reflecting on the true meaning of the holiday. Click below for more information on transportation options.
Driving directions
The Memorial Day ceremony takes place at Soldiers Memorial, located in Section 24. Signs will be posted directing you to the location. Click here for GPS directions to the site (this will open Google maps).
You may park along roads in the cemetery, except where there are “no parking” signs. Traffic on Memorial Day can be heavily congested, especially at the 36th Street & Hennepin Avenue entrance. To avoid traffic congestion, you can also use the 40th Street gate, which is open for 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. Signs will be posted directing you to handicap parking.
Handicap Parking
Handicap parking is available next to the ceremony site. Signs will be posted directing you to the handicap parking spots.
Bus directions
Metro Transit lines 6, 23, and 612 stop directly outside Lakewood’s main gates at 36th and Hennepin. It is approximately a 3/4 mile walk from the gates to the ceremony site.
Bike directions
Lakewood has a small bike rack near the front gates. Please do not lock bikes to 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 walk from the front gates to the ceremony site.
Como-Harriet 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 AM – 8:30 PM. 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 indoors to Lakewood’s historic Memorial Chapel. This reduces seating to about 130 seats on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Will there be seating at the ceremony?
Yes! We will have folding chairs set up for the ceremony. Please note, the chairs are not in the shade and can get hot on 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 make sure all children have an adult with them, and they do not lean or climb on monuments.
Are pets or dogs allowed?
Unfortunately, Lakewood does not allow dogs or other pets. 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.
Can I purchase flowers for loved ones' graves?
Yes, during Memorial Day weekend, you can purchase fresh flower bouquets at a flower tent located directly inside our main gates.
If you bring fresh flower bouquets from elsewhere, find one of our cone-shaped containers to place bouquets on the grounds. (No cost.)
You may also pick up a small flag, free of charge, to place on the grounds. Flags will be available along the main road as you enter the cemetery.
Can I get assistance locating a grave?
Visit our Welcome Center where anyone on the Lakewood team can assist. The Welcome Center is open Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. If the Welcome Center is closed, these resources are also available:
- Our website’s burial search feature includes printable maps, as well as GPS directions using Google Maps.
- 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.
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.
