Memorial Day Live 2026
On this special Memorial Day broadcast of Minnesota Military Radio, host Doug Wortham and co-host Tom Lyons are joined by Chaplain Tim Usset, State Chaplain for the Minnesota National Guard, and Chaplain Justin Fenger, Division Chaplain for the 34th Infantry Division.
The conversation centers on the true meaning of Memorial Day—honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice—and the importance of remembering the service members who never returned home.
Chaplain Usset shares his perspective as part of a Gold Star family and reflects on how personal and military experiences shape the way we honor loss. Chaplain Fenger discusses returning to Minnesota to serve and emphasizes the importance of remembrance through reflection, presence, and community.
Together, they explore how chaplains support service members and families through grief, the role of spiritual resilience, and why taking time to intentionally remember the fallen is essential.
Guests
- Chaplain Tim Usset, State Chaplain, Minnesota National Guard
- Chaplain Justin Fenger, Division Chaplain, 34th Infantry Division
In Hour 2 of this Memorial Day special, host Doug Wortham and co-host Tom Lyons are joined by Brad Lindsay, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, along with key leaders supporting veterans across the state.
The conversation highlights the importance of remembrance while also recognizing the ongoing work to serve Minnesota’s Veteran community.
The Commissioner reflects on Memorial Day as both a personal and professional responsibility, shaped by years of military service and decades working alongside Veterans. The discussion emphasizes the importance of honoring past generations while continuing to support today’s service members and their families.
Additional perspectives come from leaders across the Veterans system:
- Pat Kelly, Director of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, discusses the significance of the Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Snelling National Cemetery and shares ways families can honor loved ones through the VA’s Veterans Legacy Memorial.
- David Swantek, Director of Memorial Affairs for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, highlights the role of Minnesota’s state veterans cemeteries and the importance of giving families meaningful places to remember and reflect.
Throughout the hour, the focus remains on remembrance, community, and ensuring that the stories of those who served—and those who never returned—are not forgotten.
In Hour 3 of this Memorial Day broadcast, host Doug Wortham and co-host Tom Lyons are joined by Major General Shawn Manke, Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, along with remarks from U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Governor Tim Walz.
Major General Manke reflects on the meaning of Memorial Day through personal experience, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who gave their lives in service—both in combat and during training. He highlights the responsibility leaders carry to care for service members and their families, and the importance of maintaining trust within the force and with the public.
The conversation also underscores the critical role of leadership presence—ensuring soldiers and airmen feel supported, connected, and prepared for their missions.
Additional perspectives include:
- Senator Amy Klobuchar, who shares reflections on honoring fallen service members, supporting Gold Star families, and encouraging Americans to pause for the National Moment of Remembrance.
- Governor Tim Walz, who discusses the lasting impact of military service, the importance of supporting military families, and maintaining a strong commitment to veterans beyond their time in uniform.
Throughout the final hour, the message remains clear: Memorial Day is a time to pause, reflect, and honor those whose sacrifice made our freedoms possible.
