Memorial Day at Lakewood Cemetery

Join us on this special day of commemoration to honor and remember those who are loved and missed at our annual ceremony in person at the Soldier’s Memorial, followed by a special celebration with activities and refreshments for the whole family. This event is free and all are welcome.

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Schedule of Events:

Memorial Day Ceremony | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

We are honored to invite you back to Lakewood’s grounds for this treasured tradition. Check back for announcements on speakers, musicians, and more.

Seating will be provided but we encourage you to bring your own chairs and blankets especially if you plan to arrive closer to the start of the ceremony as seats may fill up fast.

Ceremony Speaker | Kelly Grosklags
Traumatic loss as a young child motivated Kelly's life-long quest to create a healing community that minimizes suffering and honors grief. From early on, she was inspired to become a voice of compassion who could guide, comfort, and support terminally ill patients and their loved ones. For over 28 years, Kelly's expertise while working in oncology, palliative care, and hospice has been welcomed by patients, caretakers and clinicians. She is the founder and CEO of "Conversations with Kelly," executive producer of the documentary, "Dying is Not Giving Up," Podcast Host, Author, International Public Speaker, and an End of Life and Grief Therapist. She is Board Certified in Clinical Social Work and has earned a Fellowship in Grief Counseling from the Association of Health Care Professionals and a Fellowship in Thanatology from the Association of Death Education and Counseling.

Ceremony Musician | Tonia Hughes Kendrick
Tonia is a contemporary gospel singer, songwriter, recording artist, and musical theater actress. Notably among Minnesota's most gifted artists, audiences are drawn to her passionate delivery. Her openness to engage in culturally diverse collaborations has catapulted her music career. She has performed at Orchestra Hall, the Dakota Jazz Club countless local venues and theaters, and has even performed onstage at the renowned Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. Tonia's continued work as a performing artist and worship leader in both massive and small venues is nothing short of medicinal to those present.

Ceremony Band | Minnesota Freedom Band
The Minnesota Freedom Band is a Twin Cities based, non-profit Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allied concert, jazz and marching band. We are committed to presenting quality performances, providing opportunities for our members to improve musicianship and gathering to build relationships with each other and with our community.

Location: Onsite at the Soldier's Memorial

Memorial Day Celebration | Noon – 4 p.m.

Activity and Refreshment Tents

Swing by the big tent near the Living Memory Tree for music, refreshments, and artist-inspired activities for the whole family. In the event of rain, the activities will be moved into the Garden Mausoleum, and the concert will move into Lakewood's chapel.

- Listen to live, local music by Jaspar Lepak
- Enjoy cookies, coffee, and lemonade compliments of Lakewood
- Learn more about genealogy and researching your family history with the Minnesota Genealogical Society in the Garden Mausoleum
- Design and write a postcard to a veteran with COMPAS teaching artist Katrina Knutson
- Be a part of a community poem with COMPAS teaching artist, Zoë Bird
- Tie a ribbon to the Living Memory Tree to honor someone you love and miss. Learn more about this unique tradition.

Music by Jaspar Lepak

Historic Memorial Chapel
Experience the historic Memorial Chapel, an architectural gem in the heart of the city – self guided tours will be provided, or you can get a digital version of the self-guided chapel tour here.

Como-Harriet Streetcar
Take a ride on the historic Como-Harriet Streetcar Line and enjoy the scenic views between Lakewood and Lake Harriet ($3 per person, round trip. Children under 3 are free.) The streetcar runs from 9:30am - 8:30pm on Memorial Day.

Flower Tent
During Memorial Day weekend, you can purchase fresh floral bouquets for loved ones' graves. Look for the tent just inside our main gate. You can also find containers for bouquets of fresh flowers and a limited number of small flags along the main road as you enter the cemetery. You may use them free of charge.

Questions? Call (612) 540-5165 or email us at events@lakewoodcemetery.org