MANDAN – The 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at noon on Monday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, 6.5 miles south of Mandan on North Dakota Highway 1806.

This annual event, hosted by the North Dakota National Guard, honors all deceased American servicemen and women and is free to the public.

The keynote speaker is a North Dakota native, retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Tony Hillig of Bismarck.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak and U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, also are scheduled to render remarks. The emcee is U.S. Army Capt. Chelsy Adams, N.D. National Guard.

The ceremony will also be live streamed at ndguard.nd.gov through the North Dakota National Guard YouTube page and will begin with a UH-60 Black Hawk flyover performed by the N.D. National Guard about 12:03 p.m. The event can also be found on social media.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early because of expected large crowds and the motorcycle honor run. Since seating is limited, bringing lawn chairs is recommended.

Those who are only dropping off flowers for Memorial Day grave decorations are encouraged to finish and exit the facility by 10 a.m.

Handicap-marked vehicles are encouraged to arrive before 10:30 a.m. Drivers should ensure handicap credentials and decals are readily visible to parking attendants. Shuttle vehicles will be available to transport attendees from parking areas to the ceremony area. Attendees are encouraged not to drive large vehicles, such as recreational vehicles, campers, or tow trailers, due to constrained parking.

In support of the ceremony, the Viet Nam Vets/Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club will organize a motorcycle Honor Run, gathering at “The Shop” at 131 Airport Road in Bismarck between 10-10:45 a.m. All motorcyclists and passengers are invited to participate, and no pre-coordination is required.

Bus transportation will be available for the public to and from the ceremony from the following locations:.

– Bank of North Dakota parking lot, 1200 Memorial Highway, BIsmarck. Bus will arrive at 9:30 a.m. and depart at 10:15 a.m.

– Family Fare Supermarket parking lot, 500 Burlington St. SE, Mandan. Bus will arrive at 9:15-9:30 a.m. and depart at 10:15 a.m.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park will host a Military Appreciation Day, offering free admission and tours to military members, veterans and their families. The state park is located adjacent to the veterans cemetery.