On a warm, sunny Monday morning, the annual Memorial Day Ceremony unfolded at the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial in Purgatory Creek Park.
As in previous years, attendees set up chairs around the memorial to watch the ceremony. The event is hosted annually by the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial Committee, which played a vital role in financing the memorial’s construction (dedicated in 2008) and contributing to its design.
The ceremony pays homage to the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
Gary Nash, featured in a recent EPLN story, was the keynote speaker, sharing his reflections and experiences as a U.S. Marine infantry officer during the Vietnam War. The 82-year-old Nash resides in Chanhassen with his wife, Margie.
The Viking Squadron Civil Air Patrol cadets posted and retrieved the Colors, while the Eden Prairie Police Reserves Honor Guard raised the Colors to full staff. The Eden Prairie Community Band performed “Fanfare for the Common Man,” and an armed forces salute. Julie Tuck sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful,” while Rob Estrine performed “Taps.”
Mayor Ron Case delivered the opening remarks, while Kevin Rofidal, chair of the Veterans Memorial, concluded the ceremony. Pastor Rod Anderson gave the invocation.
The Viking Squadron Civil Air Patrol during the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial in Purgatory Creek Park. From left: Adam Colaiannai, Saisree Dhavileswarapu, Bennett Nii, and Devon Wyatt. Photos by Gretchen Haynes 
The Eden Prairie Police Reserves Honor Guard raising the flags to full staff during the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial in Purgatory Creek Park. From left: Officer Michael Heiser, Officer Boyd Headorffer and Officer Sandee Williams. 
The Eden Prairie Police Reserves Honor Guard standing at ease before raising the flags to full staff. From left: Officer Sandee Williams, Officer Boyd Hesdorffer and Officer Michael Heiser. 
Keynote speaker Gary Nash is joined on stage by his wife, Margie, during the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial in Purgatory Creek Park. 
Vietnam War veteran Garry Nash gives the keynote speech during the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial in Purgatory Creek Park. 
Pastor Ron Anderson gives the Invocation during the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial in Purgatory Creek Park. 
Julie Tuck sings “America the Beautiful” during the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial in Purgatory Creek Park. 
The Eden Prairie Community Band performs “Fanfare for the Common Man” during the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial in Purgatory Creek Park. 
Mayor Ron Case invites active military members and veterans to stand for recognition during the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial in Purgatory Creek Park. 
Mayor Ron Case gives the Welcome Speech during the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial in Purgatory Creek Park. 
The Viking Squadron Civil Air Patrol during the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial in Purgatory Creek Park. From left: Adam Colaiannai, Saisree Dhavileswarapu, Bennett Nii, and Devon Wyatt.
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