MANKATO —
Despite a scorching sun on Independence Day afternoon, a crowd packed around the new Veterans Memorial Place to dedicate the memorial that honors all Mankato area veterans.
Army Capt. Brian Burbank, an active duty pilot who flies Blackhawk helicopters, dressed in shorts, started his speech with an apology.
"I was going to wear my dress uniform and I looked at it long and hard before deciding to wear my polo shirt."
Burbank said the park was dedicated to the thousands of area veterans who've fought in any war. But he said it's also for those who've served outside of combat zones, supporting the nation in wartime and in peace.
"It wasn't the combat troops who won the Cold War and prevented World War III. They won the best kind of war -- the one never fought."
Burbank thanked the veterans in attendance -- from WWII to Iraq and Afghanistan. "You helped keep those you loved, even those you hated, safe," he said.
"Now you've passed the torch onto my generation. I assure you we are ready and able to improve upon what you have done."
Five flags representing the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard circle the memorial. During the ceremony, veterans -- including two Purple Heart recipients -- raised the American, MIA-POW and Minnesota flags in the middle of the site.
George Lamm, who served in the Marines in Vietnam, watched the dedication.
"It's a wonderful place. It really turned out nice. And it fits nicely by the Veterans (Memorial) Bridge."
The project, five years in the making, included raising some $150,000 for construction costs.
Major supporters for the memorial include Blue Valley Sod, I&S Group and the cities of Mankato and North Mankato.
People may still support the project: paver blocks, which can be engraved with the name of a veteran, are being sold for $100 each.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Don Stemper (left) and Pete Hagert raise the American flag during the dedication Wednesday of the Veterans Memorial Place. John Cross
July 4, 2012
Veterans memorial dedicated
Mankato site gets good reviews
- Local News
-
-
Skeletal remains are of homeless man, authorities say
Authorities say remains are of 38-year-old Maverick Henry Arrowood.
-
Minn. lawsuit accuses dead Irish priest of abuse
Suit names Francis Markey, who was extradited to Ireland in 2010 to face sexual abuse charges there. He died a year before going on trial.
-
North Mankato discusses how to repay $3.2 million in internal debt
The debt study has already resulted in changed policies for new subdivisions.
- Lancers land several first-place finishes
- Mankato schools save on workers comp
- Washington, East Jr. to have new principals
-
Rochester lawmaker to challenge Walz in Minn. 1st
Rep. Mike Benson said he will challenge Congressman Tim Walz
- Mankato School Board approves preliminary budget District on solid financial ground
-
Woman accused of robbing man at knifepoint
Witnesses said the victim was the aggressor.
-
Two Mankato women hurt in crash
One driver cited for inattentive driving and failure to stop.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Skeletal remains are of homeless man, authorities say
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Boeing, Airbus Battle for Sales Supremacy
NYC 911 Call Lasts for 8 Hours
Obama: US Has Helped Syrian Rebels
Afghan Forces Take Afghanistan Security Lead
Raw: 100K Protesters Flood Brazilian Streets
California Cops Cruise on Stand-up Paddle Patrol
Transgender Candidate Running in NYC
Obama: NSA Secret Data Gathering 'Transparent'
Man Who Disrupted Flight Ranted About CIA
Feds: 7-Eleven Stores Exploited Immigrants
Fla. Teen Catches Ride With Whale Shark
Iran's Rowhani Urges 'Path of Moderation'
Investigators Probe Origin of Colo. Wildfire
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
Family Tweets Say Kim Kardashian Gives Birth
