By Garrick Moritz, Gazette
Memorial Day is always a solemn, and serious affair here in Garretson. Erin Brown, director of the South Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery in Sioux Falls, was this year’s keynote speaker. Brown is a Luverne, Minnesota native, a Persian Gulf War Veteran, and in her civilian career has worked for Veteran’s Services in both Minnesota and South Dakota. After several promotions, in 2020 she was named to fill the post of Director of the new SD Veterans Cemetery in 2020. She oversees the daily operation at the cemetery; including burials, ceremonies, and keeping all grounds maintained.
During her speech she made special mention of the excellent relationship the Veterans Cemetery has enjoyed with Post #23.
“We love you guys, you’re amazing!” she said.
Indeed, there are now several members of the post whose final rest is the SD Veteran’s Cemetery. Brown told the assembly that since last Memorial Day, more than 530 veterans had been laid to rest in the SD Veterans Cemetery.
Her message was also quite good, that though it might not be appropriate to wish someone a Happy Memorial Day, as it is a time for remembering our nations fallen heroes, it’s more that okay to enjoy yourself with your family and friends.
“That precious time, enjoying a barbeque dinner with your family and playing with your kids, that’s what their sacrifice bought us,” Brown said. “That’s the freedom and joy they fought for, and it honors them. That is the finish to their unfinished work, that the living love and care with each other. And yes, to enjoy some fun and play time too.”
