Memorial Day program held at Watertown’s Mount Hope Cemetery (Audio)

May 30, 2023

Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–It was a bright, sunny Monday for Memorial Day services at Mount Hope Cemetery in Watertown.

KWAT News was there to cover the 45 minute program, which featured music from the Watertown Municipal Band, a placing of memorial wreaths representing those who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Space Force, along with Gold Star Families.

The keynote speaker was Vietnam War veteran Phil Braeger (pictured), a Fessenden, North Dakota native who was named Watertown’s Veteran of the Year.

Byron Callies served as master of ceremonies, Pastor Craig Werling provided the invocation and benediction, and the program ended with a 21 gun salute and the playing of Taps.

Hear Braeger’s speech by clicking on the link below:

Eerlier in the morning, a separate Memorial Day program was held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Watertown.