Third Annual Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony

The third annual Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony will be held on May 30, 2011 at Purgatory Creek Park at 11 a.m. As America continues to battle wars abroad, citizens are reminded once again of the sacrifices our men and women in the United States military undertake on a daily basis.

As has been customary from year to year, this year's tribute will continue to honor the fallen soldiers as their names are added to the memorial. This year, three special tributes will take place during the ceremony by honoring World War II veteran Bud Schwartz, Daniel Olsen (KIA) who served in Iraq, and keynote speaker Melissa Stockwell.

Stockwell served in Iraq with the 1st Cavalry Division and in April of 2004 was severely injured when her HUMVEE was hit by a roadside bomb. The blast took off her leg and today stands as an above-the-knee amputee. In addition to receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, Stockwell is also a Paralympian and motivational speaker. More information on Stockwell can be found on her website.

"Each year we hold this ceremony we are reminded again of the sacrifice our service men and women make for our country. Along with others we pay tribute to, Melissa is a reminder of someone who has been at the bottom and risen to the best life has to offer," said Kevin Rofidal, U.S. Coast Guard Reservist and committee chair.

Organizers expect the usual crowd of 1,000 people and remind people to bring a chair or blanket as seating will be limited. 

Also being honored are two local veterans; Bud Schwartz, a World War II veteran who served with the 36th Combat Engineers, and Daniel Olsen, who was killed in the Al Anbar Province, Iraq, while serving with the U.S. Marines.

Each year, specific Eden Prairie veterans will be honored at the annual Memorial Day Celebration. Members of the community are encouraged to nominate a veteran via email or U.S. Mail. More information on the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial can be found at edenprairieveterans.com.