(Milford)– Area residents are being asked to pay their respects Tuesday to Staff Sergeant Steven Blass by lining his funeral procession route. As we reported previously, the route will proceed west from Estherville on Highway 9, then turn south on Dickinson county road N-14. From there it will proceed south to Dickinson County Road A-34, then west to Milford, where it will turn onto Highway 71 and go south to Spencer.
Steve Anderson of the Milford American Legion says they’re looking to fill the sidewalks from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church south through downtown Milford, as far as possible.
Anderson says they’re requesting no vehicles be parking along Highway 71 through downtown Milford from about 3:00 p.m. Tuesday (3/26) until the funeral procession has moved through town. Parking will be available at several parking lots in the downtown area.
Veterans from throughout the area are asked to meet at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday (3/26). The Milford American Legion and other veteran organizations will have a color guard posted near the church. All veterans are asked to come in uniform.
The general public will be asked to start gathering between 3:15 and 3:30 p.m. They are asked to begin lining up starting at the end of the veterans group, going as far south as possible. The Milford American Legion will pass out about 1,000 flags to the public; the Scoreboard Lounge has about 500 it will distribute. Signs expressing respect and support are also welcome. It’s requested that any unwanted flags be returned by placing them in a dropbox at the Milford American Legion.
It is asked that those in attendance follow proper ettiquette as the procession passes by placing your hand over your heart.
Anyone with questions or wanting more information should contact Steve Anderson at queenii.captain@gmail.com or by calling (712) 330-2305.
The Spirit Lake VFW will have a color guard at the intersection of Highway 9 and County Road N-14 (Terril blacktop). The Terril American Legion will have a color guard at the corner of N-14 (Terril blacktop) and County Road A-34 (the Milford blacktop.)
