2019 Keynote Speaker & Marcher
Jill Stephenson
Gold Star Mother - CPL Ben Kopp
KIA 7-19-09
7th Annual Memorial Day March For Them
Hastings, MN
Thank you to our
2022 Key Sponsors!
2022 Mission Complete AND...
it was a Record breaking year!
Katy Lindberg
$4,095 raised!
24 Marchers!
Thank you to all of our Volunteers!
Thank you to all of our
Sponsors and Donors!
Follow us on
Want to be in the loop for 2023?
Yes, you still can.
We accept donations year 'round!
Enjoy some pictures from this 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 28 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 remind us who we are walking for. Our route is the "Great River Road" from Red Wing up to Hastings, MN. If you had to pick a good stretch of road to walk in Minnesota, this is it.
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. Not sure if you can walk 28 miles? We got your back! You'll be surprised how far you can walk and how fast the time goes. BUT if a walker can't make it all the way, no problem. We have great volunteers in vehicles to help with that. It happens to multiple walkers every year so you wouldn't be the first.
**If you do fall behind more than once we will ask you to call it a day and hop in a vehicle. It's for your safety and we do have to stick to a schedule.
We will help you prepare!
More details on the march including tips on preparation, a suggested packing list, the exact route, what to expect are on the Registration page, which can be found here.
Help Us Grow, Join Us!
It's been a small group the last couple of years, but we are hoping to rebound in 2022. The goal is to recruit at least 30 marchers this year. It is FREE 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.
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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
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
BreAnna, Martha Hanson
& Family CP 4
Colin Bruce
CP 7
Kathy O'Connor & Family
CP 10
Cheryl & Tom Bullington
CP 13
Our CheckPoint Hosts who provide the great food and drinks along the way...
Katy & Andy Lindberg & Family
CP Jon Lindberg
Shirley Markuson & Family
CP 22
Melanie Baker & Family
CP 25
Hochmuth's & Bentjen's
CP 19
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 this year's 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 2023. This includes the public celebration, keynote speaker and entertainment at the Finish in Hastings. It also includes the tshirts and supplies to support the march that we are unable to get donated. We are trying to keep the cost free for Veterans and others who walk. The expenses for 2022 are minimal. We're planning to save all remaining funds for seed money to cover next year's event.
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.
Join us next year!
Follow us on Facebook for
updates on 2023.
Remember:
It's free to walk.
You don't have to be a Vet.
You get a cool t-shirt free!
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.
Join us at the Finish in 2023!
All are welcome!
Mark your calendars for May 29th, 2023.
We plan to take a big step next year!
5pm
Music Starts
Featuring 34th Infantry
Red Devil Rock Band!
6pm
Marchers Arrive
Program Begins
