The purpose of Memorial Day is to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.”

Yvonne Miller, retired U.S. Army colonel and veteran of deployments to Afghanistan, Qatar, Iraq and Kuwait

Residents gathered outside Cottage Grove City Hall on Monday, May 25, for a Memorial Day ceremony honoring the men and women who died in service to the United States.
The ceremony, hosted with the Mississippi River Valley Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network, included remarks from local and state and federal officials, music from Park High School students, a rose-laying tribute and recognition of veterans, active-duty service members and military families.
Speaking for state and federal officials were state representatives Tom Dippel and Wayne Johnson, State Senator Judy Seeberger, a representative from U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office, and U.S. District 2 representative Angie Craig.
Dippel shared the history of Memorial Day, Johnson said a prayer, Seeberger read a Memorial Day poem, the representative from Sentor Klobuchar read a letter on her behalf, while Craig spoke on the contemporary significance of the day.
Cottage Grove Council Member Justin Olsen said Memorial Day is a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, regardless of race, color, creed or political affiliation. Members of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon team laid roses at the veterans memorial in honor of each branch of the military.
The keynote speaker was Yvonne Miller, a Park High School graduate, retired U.S. Army colonel and veteran of deployments to Afghanistan, Qatar, Iraq and Kuwait. Miller spoke about growing up in Cottage Grove before leaving for West Point and serving 26 years on active duty.
Miller said Memorial Day is personal for those who have served, especially those who have lost brothers and sisters in arms.
“The purpose of Memorial Day is to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country,” Miller said.
She also spoke about the lasting effects of military service, including moral injury and the difficulty some veterans face when returning to civilian life. Miller said she found healing through Every Third Saturday, a veterans nonprofit that helps former service members find community and purpose.
“The pain will never go away, but community will help you smile,” Miller said.
Miller encouraged people to support veterans by allowing them to tell their stories, while avoiding questions that may be painful or intrusive.
State Sen. Judy Seeberger read a Memorial Day poem reflecting on both the visible and invisible wounds carried by veterans.
Cottage Grove Police Officer Marshall Freeman, who recently returned from deployment to the United Arab Emirates, presented the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network with a retired flag from his deployment. Freeman said the organization helped his wife while she cared for their three children during his deployment.
“I’m forever grateful,” Freeman said.
The ceremony also included “America the Beautiful,” performed by the Park High School Brass Ensemble under the direction of Tom Stone, with guest vocalist Sasha McCauley.
Olsen said the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network exists because veterans and military families often do not ask for help, even when they need it.
“This community is here to serve you,” Olsen said. “We are here to serve those who’ve served and continue to serve our great nation.”
Closing the ceremony, U.S. Army and Marine Corps veteran Patrick Nickle gave remarks as president of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
“As we carry forward today with family and friends, may we carry forward a spirit of gratitude, remembering that freedom is never free, and remember our fallen heroes,” he said, thanking everyone for coming. “Hope to see you next year.”
The ceremony closed with retiring of the colors by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Cottage Grove Police, and honor guard.