Woodbury residents gathered Monday for the city's annual Memorial Day ceremony, honoring service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The event, held at the city's memorial park, was organized by VFW Post 9024 and American Legion Post 501.

Marine Major Tyler Kissner delivered the keynote address, sharing memories of fallen comrades from his deployments to Iraq, North Africa and the Indo-Pacific region. Kissner, who has served 14 years in the Marine Corps including five deployments, emphasized the ongoing responsibility to honor veterans' sacrifices through civic engagement and support for military families.

The ceremony featured military honors including color guard presentations by multiple organizations, a three-volley salute, and a last roll call ceremony recognizing local veterans who died in the past year and 26 Minnesota Marines killed during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. World War II veteran Jack Andrashco, 100, attended as an honored guest, having served as an artillery man in the European theater and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Mayor Anne Burke welcomed attendees and recognized the event's sponsors, while also paying tribute to memorial architect Dick, a Lions Club member who designed the venue and passed away the day before the ceremony. The mayor noted memorial bricks remain available for families wishing to honor relatives who served.

The ceremony concluded with the retirement of colors and an invitation for attendees to visit military displays and veterans assistance organizations present at the event. Culver's of Woodbury provided complimentary frozen custard following the program.