Maj. Brandon Frerichs to Give Keynote at Milbank Memorial Day Program

Major Brandon Frerichs, a native of Wilmot and now a resident of Twin Brooks, will give the keynote address during Milbank’s annual Memorial Day program on Monday, May 26. Frerichs served in the Army National Guard and the U.S. Army. He was deployed to Iraq and Syria. The traditional program serves as a reminder that Memorial Day is set aside to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and died in service to our country.  

The event begins at 10 a.m. at the Milbank City Cemetery. Everyone is welcome. According to church officials, there will be no Mass or official posting of wreaths at the St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery. In the case of inclement weather, the program will be moved to the Milbank High School Armory. American Legion Post 9 of Milbank is in charge of the event this year as the Legion Post and VFW alternate years.

Schedule of Events for the 2025 Memorial Day Program 

Start time –  10 a.m.  

Posting of the Colors – Post 9 American Legion and Auxiliary, Post 9 American Legion Sons Squadron, VFW Post 3486 and Auxiliary, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 19, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1054

Invocation – American Legion Chaplain

Pledge of Allegiance –  Led by Commander Noel Cummins

“The Star-Spangled Banner” –  Milbank Eighth-Grade Band and MHS Band Assistants

Introduction –  Commander Noel Cummins and Auxiliary President Karen Layher

Speaker –  Major Brandon Frerichs of the Army National Guard, 189th Company

Band Selection –  “American Spirit Overtone” 

Posting of Memorial Wreaths – Post 9 American Legion and Auxiliary, Post 9 American Legion Sons Squadron, VFW Post 3486 and Auxiliary, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 19, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1054

Salute to the Dead — All Units Firing Squad

“Taps” –  Charlotte Swanson, Paisley Ericsson, Emmett Schuelke and Julian VanVeen

Retiring of the Colors