Grace Lutheran Church is getting ready to recognize local veterans again in a few weeks.

Grace, 2001 Sixth Ave. SE, will host its annual “Remembering Our Veterans” service at 9 a.m. May 22.

Anyone is invited to attend the service or a lunch that will follow.

The service features the flags of all military branches. Traditionally, the service features the singing of each branch’s song,and veterans are asked to go forward to their flag and stand with their fellow service men and women.

A color guard will present the flags.

“To me, this service is very important,” said Lavona Johnson, a Grace worship committee member who helps organize the service. “We need to honor our veterans.”

Johnson’s husband, Richard, served in the Navy during World War II.

Randy Michaelson, who served during the Vietnam War as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, will be the featured speaker at the service.

“We certainly encourage veterans to come to the service,” he said. “It’s a beautiful service and we like the fact that our church honors our veterans. Any veteran that wants to attend is welcome, we’d love to have them.”

He’ll talk about “the greatest generation,” or World War II veterans and the sacrifices they made.

Since many from that generation are passing away, Michaelson said it’s important to share their stories of defeating Germany and Japan during the war with younger generations.

He will also talk about being cautious with which veterans groups to support and donate to, since some go to good causes, while others don’t.

The roughly one-hour service will also feature about 90 red geraniums purchased by church members and supporters.

Since many veterans dedicate several years to the military, Johnson said the least people can do is recognize and honor their contributions. She hoped people would come out and attend the service.

One high-point each year for Johnson is when many of the veterans leave and tell her, “We’ll see you next year.”

—Jordan Gerard contributed to this report.