Hastings Community Memorial Observances are planned for Monday, May 27, 2024, at the Minnesota Veterans Home, Roadside Park, Soldiers and Sailors Cemetery, and the Veterans Memorial at Levee Park.
This year’s event is hosted by Hastings’ Lyle Russell VFW Post 1210 in conjunction with Nelson-Lucking American Legion Post 47.
The program will begin at 8:15 a.m. with a flag raising ceremony at the Minnesota Veterans Home, 1200 E. 18th St. Next, a program at Roadside Park will follow (approximately 9:00 a.m.) which will include special remarks by Hastings’ Mayor, Mary Fasbender. Upon completion, a short remembrance ceremony will be held at Soldiers and Sailors Cemetery on West First Street and Ninninger Road. Finally, the event will culminate with a main ceremony at the Veterans Memorial at Levee Park on Ramsey and First Street starting at 11:00 with a two-plane fly over by the Commemorative Air Force. The Master of Ceremony for this program is Post 1210-member, Mike Sawicki and will feature former media personality, Korean War Veteran, and longtime Hastings’ resident Richard Hullander as the program’s keynote speaker. Essays will also be presented by local Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen winners Olivia Schuster and Josie Rondeau and will include a wreath laying ceremony. Additionally, honors and echo taps will be presented by the Post 1210 Rifle Squad and members of the Hastings Highschool Band.
The Community is invited and encouraged to attend any or all observances. It is also recommended attendees bring their own seating as desired.
In case of inclement weather, the entire ceremony will be held at 11:00 in the Hasting Armory at 3050 Minnesota 316 Hastings, MN 55033.

Hastings March for Them
The inspirational 9th Annual Hastings March for Them will be held Memorial Day, again along a 10-mile Hastings trail route.
The March for Them was organized by Tom Wright of Hastings, who for several years led a contingent of walkers on a 28-mile Trek up the Great River Road from Red Wing through Prescott to Hastings. Last year, the March for Them was converted to the walk along the scenic River Trail loop, where markers are placed to honor service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
The walk will start and end at the Rotary Pavilion at Levee Park, with the event getting underway at 7 a.m. on Memorial Day, May 27.
All are welcome to register to walk and there will be breaks for refreshments and snacks. At each of two checkpoints, walkers are greeted by volunteer sponsors with food and beverages.
The walk is at a 3 mph pace.
Register for the walk at marchforthem.org. Cost is $25 and includes a T-shirt. Kids 12 and under are free with an adult, though registration fee is required for the shirt.
Last year, there were a record 73 walkers participating.
This year, the March for Them will have its own program at the close of the event at Levee Park with the Hastings Middle School Choir performing. There will also be a meal following for marchers and volunteers, with a DJ and music. And, more portable toilets will be available along the route this year.
Also, veterans in the march will be treated to a dinner at the Hastings Public House.
According to the March for Them website, “We're a group of Veterans from all branches of service that do a scenic 10-mile walk on Memorial Day. Many non-Veteran ‘civilians’ join us as well. This was started to honor our fallen comrades, to raise public awareness for the holiday and to create a good excuse for veterans to hang out. Our route is the scenic 10-mile River Trail Loop of Hastings. Along the route, we'll have Honor Markers that feature our fallen comrades, or family or friends that made the ultimate sacrifice.”