A Weekend of Remembrance and Community

As the warm days of late May encourage us to spend time outdoors, Memorial Day weekend stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless men and women in service to our country. Clear Lake, Iowa, provides a perfect backdrop for this national day of remembrance, combining solemnity with the serene beauty of our beloved lakeside town. This weekend we have a variety of activities and tributes that reflect the spirit of Memorial Day.

Memorial Day Program

Join us for our annual Memorial Day program on Monday, May 27th, which honors the courage and dedication of our servicemen and women. The schedule, presented by VFW Saratoga Post 4868 and chaired by Bennett Smith, is as follows:

Seawall Program

Assembly at Lake Front: 9:30 AM

  • Welcome & Opening Prayer: Gary Harris, Officer of the Day, US Air Force Veteran
  • Flag Raising: Clear Lake Boy Scouts
  • National Anthem: Clear Lake High School Band, directed by Holly Prier
  • Navy Hymn: Clear Lake High School Band, directed by Holly Prier
  • Casting of the Wreath to Honor: Mike Nelson, U.S. Navy Retired
  • Taps: Clear Lake High School Band, directed by Holly Prier

Cemetery Program

March to the Lincoln Monument

  • God of Our Fathers: Clear Lake High School Band, directed by Holly Prier
  • Opening Remarks & Opening Prayer: Gary Harris, Officer of the Day, US Air Force Veteran
  • Pledge of Allegiance: Gary Harris, Officer of the Day, US Air Force Veteran
  • Ritualistic Work (placing of memorials): Post Commander Mike Nelson, U.S. Navy Retired, or Gary Harris, Officer of the Day, US Air Force Veteran

Memorial Placements – Placing of Roses

  • Civil War: Beth Ann Schumacher
  • DAR: Wanda Kennedy
  • American Legion #222: Jane Humphrey
  • VFW 4868: Linda Dockwell
  • WWI & WWII: Nancy Cash
  • Korean War: Kathy Vine
  • Vietnam War: Kathy Matson
  • Global War on Terrorism: Karen Ressler

Readings – Introduced by Gary Harris, Officer of the Day, US Air Force Veteran

  • The Importance of Taps: Lauren Jurgens, Clear Lake High School
  • The Gettysburg Address: Malinda Voortmann, Clear Lake High School

Speaker of the Day

  • Lt. Col. Jeremy D. Anzevino, USMC Retired

Musical Tribute

  • America the Beautiful: Clear Lake High School Band, directed by Holly Prier

Honors and Closing

  • Roll Call of Deceased Veterans: Post Commander Mike Nelson, U.S. Navy Retired
  • Folding of the American Flag: Post Commander Mike Nelson and others
  • VFW Post Honor Guard Salute (1, 2 & 3 Volley)
  • Echo Taps: Clear Lake High School Band
  • Benediction: Gary Harris, Officer of the Day, US Air Force Veteran
  • Dismissal

Important Notes

  • All Patriotic Orders, please have stage bouquets, wreaths, etc. in place by 9:00 AM. In case of rain, the program will be announced at the Lake Front. Help will be needed to take in flags.
  • The Avenue of Flags and Crosses will be put up on Friday afternoon preceding the Memorial Day Service. Please meet at the Clear Lake Cemetery at 1:00 PM (removal of the Flags and Crosses will be on Tuesday at 1:00 PM).

Visit the Cerro Gordo Freedom Rock

A visit to Clear Lake wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the Cerro Gordo Freedom Rock. Part of the 99-piece mural series scattered throughout the state of Iowa, this impressive work of art serves as a tribute to veterans from each county. The Freedom Rock Tour maps are available at our Visitor Center, guiding you on an inspiring journey through Iowa’s heartfelt homages to its heroes.

Extended Summer Hours at the Visitor Center

To better serve our visitors during the summer, our Visitor Center will extend its hours now through Labor Day Weekend:

  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: 205 Main Avenue across from City Park

Drop by to pick up your Freedom Rock Tour map, get recommendations for the best picnic spots by the lake, or learn more about the weekend’s events.

Make the Most of Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day at Clear Lake is more than just a long weekend; it’s a time to reflect, honor, and come together as a community. Whether you’re attending the solemn ceremonies, exploring the poignant murals of the Freedom Rock, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of our town, there’s something meaningful for everyone. Let’s take this opportunity to remember the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a peaceful future.

We look forward to welcoming you to Clear Lake for a memorable Memorial Day weekend. See you by the lake!