Bayport events feature Hudson band, speaker and fire department

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Hudson will be well represented in the Memorial Day parade and ceremony at Bayport, Minn., Monday morning.

The Hudson High School Marching Band is one of six bands scheduled to appear in the parade that steps off at 8:30 a.m.

Minnesota National Guard Lt. Col. Sandra Best, a town of St. Joseph resident, will be the featured speaker for the memorial ceremony at Bayport’s Hazelwood Cemetery immediately following the parade.

The parade will advance north on Minnesota Hwy. 95 (the main route Bayport) from Central Avenue to Seventh Avenue North, then west to Fifth Street, then south two blocks to Fifth Avenue, the west to the conclusion at Hazelwood Cemetery.

The Hudson Fire Department will also be represented in the parade. Current and classic fire engines from a number of fire departments – including Bayport, Stillwater, Lake Elmo and Oakdale – will be in the parade.

Other bands that will perform include the Minnesota Police Pipe Band, Baldwin High School Band, St. Paul Police Band, Minnesota State Fire Service Memorial Pipe Band, Stillwater Area High School Band and Kracker Jacks Drumline.

The parade attracts not only crowds of Bayport residents but participants and spectators from neighboring communities.

Don Wilmes, a 64-year member of the Bayport American Legion, will be the grand marshal for this year’s parade.

Wilmes served in the Air Force from June 1943 to April 1946 and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands and various posts throughout the nation. He has served as vice commander for the Bayport Legion post and was an avid volunteer for many decades.

Lt. Col. Best joined the Minnesota Air National Guard in February 1984. She has risen steadily through the ranks and is now director of governmental relations for the Minnesota National Guard. She has served in Afghanistan and received numerous medals, including the Meritorious Service Medal.

She and her husband of 23 years, Steve Best, have four daughters.

Hudson observances

The Memorial Day observances in Hudson begin with a 9 a.m. ceremony at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery on O’Keefe Road. The service at Willow River Cemetery will start at 10:15 a.m.

Howard Nelson of Hudson will give the address at Willow River Cemetery. He is the American Legion 10th District chaplain and past deputy vice commander.

The Hudson High School Marching Band also will perform at Willow River Cemetery. The ceremony there will be held rain or shine. It also will feature a military salute by an American Legion/Veterans of Foreign Wars honor guard. Other participating will include local veterans, Boys Scouts and the Miss Hudson royalty.

Tags: communities, hudson, military