2019 Keynote Speaker & Marcher
Jill Stephenson
Gold Star Mother - CPL Ben Kopp
KIA 7-19-09
8th Annual Memorial Day March For Them
Hastings, MN
BIG Changes in 2023!
1. Now a 10 mile route!
Enjoy the scenic River Trail Loop in Hastings, MN
2. New Pre-Registration Dinner Event
Fuel up and catch up with fellow Veterans
and other walkers the night prior!
Hosted by the 2nd St Depot
3. Step off now part of community program
Hear Veterans share stories of whom we will walk for
Part of a community program with music
Hosted by the Hastings American Legion
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Want to be in the loop?
Follow us on
Registration opens April 1st!
Yes, you still can.
We accept donations year 'round!
Enjoy some pictures from last year's event...
What is this?
We're a group of Veterans from all branches of service, PLUS any others who are welcome to join us, that do a scenic 10 mile walk (aka road march) on Memorial Day to honor our fallen comrades and to raise awareness for the holiday. Along the route we have Honor Markers at each mile with our fallen comrades, family or friends to honor them, and to remind us who we are walking for. Our new route is the scenic 10 mile River Trail Loop of Hastings, MN.
Yes, you can do it!
We walk at a 3mph pace and stop every 3 miles for a 10-15 min break. At each stop, aka Check Point, we are greeted by awesome volunteers with great food and beverages.
We will help you prepare!
More details on the March including tips on preparation, a suggested packing list, the exact route, what to expect will be on the Registration page, which can be found here.
Help Us Grow, Join Us!
We had the most walkers last year at 24. We'd love to see many more in 2023! It is FREE for Veterans and again, anyone can walk. You don't have to be a Veteran. Your kid can walk too. If you have a child under 18 they can walk so long as you are with them. You both just have to register as individual walkers.
Whether you walk, donate, sponsor or attend the Finish in Hastings we appreciate any involvement. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Follow Us On
Want to see more?
Here are a few extra Kodak moments from 2021..
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We March For Them..
These men and women from all branches of service have made the ultimate sacrifice. We recognize them with Honor Markers along our route. They are placed every mile to remind us, and others, who we are walking for. Memorial Day is For Them..
New Honor Markers are added each year by new Marchers. They must walk to place a marker and are given an opportunity to share their story at the Finish in Hastings. Any Marcher can nominate an Honor Marker, they do not have to be a Veteran. They can make a nomination when they register.
Thank you to all of our 2022 Sponsors & Donors!
The Generals - Key Sponsors
$500+ level
Katy Lindberg
2023 Sponsorship Opportunities coming soon!
The Majors $200+ level
The Spool House
Leo C. Peterson
Post 54
Red Wing
Joe & Beth Drexler
Major Sponsor
#5 Available
Major Sponsor
#6 Available
The Captains $100+ level
Jen Dye
Bookstore of
Hastings
Walter Busse
Kathy Baker
Janel Wright
Dean & Shirley
Markuson
SC Toys - Hastings
Christine Bray
Jerry Wright
Jenn Henderson
The Lieutenants $50+ level
Lynn Anderson
Ruth Stonesifer
Jenna King
Kristofor Stonesifer
Jessi Nowak
Ruth Markuson
Liz Markuson
Thank you to all of our great Volunteers!
Geoff Bruce
Route Support Lead
Navy Vet
Kathy O'Connor
Marcher Care/Transport
CP 10 Host
Kris Milliren
Finish Event Coordinator
Board Member & Treasurer
Our CheckPoint Hosts of the previous 28 mile route
who provided the great food and drinks along the way...
BreAnna, Martha Hanson
& Family CP 4
Colin Bruce
CP 7
Katy & Andy Lindberg & Family
CP Jon Lindberg
Hochmuth's & Bentjen's
CP 19
Kathy O'Connor & Family
CP 10
Shirley Markuson & Family
CP 22
Cheryl & Tom Bullington
CP 13
Melanie Baker & Family
CP 25
Board of Directors
Laura Slusarczyk - Board Chair
Sarah Hemmelgarn - Secretary
Kris Milliren - Treasurer
Jessie Nowak - Member
Elizabeth Markuson - Member
Patrick O'Connor - Member
Tom Wright - Executive Director
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MN Coaches/Hastings Bus Company - Mike Karlen, Mike Paul & Mike
TwinCitiesToilets.com - Danny Schlomka
Graphic Designer for Flyers - Max Slocum, Imaginative Hobbyist
City of Hastings Parks & Rec - Paige Marschall Bigler
Hastings Police Dept.
The Hastings Journal - Bruce Karnick and Brooke Shepherd
Hastings Star Gazette - Charlie Swanson
KDWA - Mo McNeary, Mike Ruud, Dan Massman
St. Paul Pioneer Press & Fox 9
Hastings American Legion
Mayor Mary Fasbender - Speaker
Pastor Jim Bzofskie - Speaker
Other great supporters of the 2022 March...
Thank you for your support!
What is the money for?
All donations and sponsorships go towards supporting the event and its growth. The more we can raise, the larger the event can be in 2024. This includes the new pre-registration dinner, the tshirts, marketing and signage, supplies for the Honor Markers, plus any other supplies to support the march that we are unable to get donated. Your support allows us to keep the cost free for Veterans.
We are a non-profit
Memorial Day March For Them is a Minnesota nonprofit corporation with a federal 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. All donations made to MDMFT are tax deductible.
Registration opens April 1st,
and this is the spot to do so!
Meanwhile, follow us on Facebook for
updates on 2023.
Remember:
New route, only 10 miles now!
It's free to walk if you're a Vet.
You don't have to be a Vet to walk.
You get a cool t-shirt!
It's an easy 3 mph pace..
..with breaks every hour that provide food & drinks..
..and if you don't make it, that's ok, we have a ride.
Your first time? Please read The March page to get an idea of how the day will go.
Help send us off on May 29th!
Public Program hosted by the Hastings American Legion
Time and other details will be announced by April 1st
