The City of Eden Prairie would like to thank the following for assisting with today’s ceremony:
Boy Scout Troop 695 Silver Sound
May 26, 2025
Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial Purgatory Creek Park
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: MARY JOHNSON
Mary Johnson’s journey into military family life began in 2006 when her son Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Army. Six months later, her son Kristopher joined the U.S. Navy. In 2007, she became an active member of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., a national organization of mothers supporting active-duty service members, veterans and each other. She currently serves as 3rd vice president for both the Minnesota chapter and the national board.
Thomas served in Iraq and Guantanamo Bay before being stationed in New Hampshire. He died while on active duty in 2013. Kristopher, a Navy Seabee, deployed to Okinawa and Bahrain, and retired from service in 2012.
In 2024, Mary joined American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. She honors her sons by volunteering to support Gold Star Families, Blue Star Families and veterans across the country.
PERSONALIZED VETERANS MEMORIAL NAMEPLATES
Honor a veteran, such as a parent, grandparent, family member or relative, living or deceased, by placing their name on the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial in perpetuity. edenprairie.org/VeteransMemorial
PROGRAM
“Just A Closer Walk With Thee”
Introduction
Welcome
Parade and Post the Colors
“National Anthem”
Invocation
Reading of Message from U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar
Eden Prairie Community Band
Directed by Tom Muehlbauer
Amy Markle
Parks and Recreation Director
Mayor Ron Case
Viking Composite Squadron
Eden Prairie Community Band
Pastor Ryan Tarman
Jude Kambal
Human Rights and Diversity
Commission Student Member
EPHS Senior
Keynote Speaker
Honoring Local Heroes
“Armed Forces Salute”
Flag Raising to Full Staff
Retire the Colors “Taps”
Benediction
Closing
“Liberty Bell”
Mary Johnson
State Sen. Steve Cwodzinski honors Thomas Johnson
Mayor Ron Case honors Tim Beutell
Eden Prairie Community Band
Eden Prairie Police Reserves Honor Guard
Viking Composite Squadron
Eden Prairie Community
Band Member
Pastor Ryan Tarman
Amy Markle
Parks and Recreation Director
Eden Prairie Community Band