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 Every year, Raymond's population seems to double or triple on Memorial Day, as current and former residents come together to celebrate and remember the sacrifices that our veterans have made for us to live in freedom.

Prior to Memorial Day, Legion members will decorate the final resting places of over 285 veterans in the five area cemeteries of Raymond, Prinsburg and Roseland. Then on Monday, May 27,  Raymond American Legion Peter Leuze Post 420 will again lead this year's parade, the 103rd year the Post and Auxiliary has done so.  The parade will line up by 8:30 a.m. at the Christian Reformed Church and will step off at 9 a.m.  In the event of rain, the observance will be held in the Raymond Event Center. 

Marchers, veterans, mounted riders, and other groups will proceed to Highway 23, where the parade will head east to the Fairview Cemetery. Joe Apol, Post Chaplain, will open with a prayer. Mitch Schueler, a Navy Captain with 25 years of service will deliver the message, and the MACCRAY Band will play. A bell donated by the Kenneth Steffen family will be dedicated.  Randy Ronning, Post Vice Commander, will read the names of deceased veterans.  A 21 gun salute will be given at Fairview and then the parade will regroup and proceed to St. John's Lutheran Cemetery.  There, Apol will give the opening prayer and Ronning will read the names of the deceased veterans.  Pastor Andres Albertson from St. John’s will deliver the message.  There will also be a 21 gun salute. 

The Legion’s annual meeting will be held at the community center, following the observance. The Harvest Festival committee will be grilling and serving hot dogs, along with beans, chips, salad and beverage at the fire hall/community center/park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Free will donations will go to support this year’s Harvest Festival.