Roseville Honors Those That Serve

Thunderstorms could not prevent Roseville from honoring both past and present military members on Monday at a poignant ceremony. 

The Memorial Day observance took place at Roselawn Cemetery with more than 150 people in attendance. With the assistance of Rosetown American Legion Post 542 and  Roseville VFW Post 7555 , the crowd gathered to pay its respect to the men and women  of this nation who served in the Armed services. 

Occasional rain at the Roseville cemetery event did not disrupt the 30-minute service.

The North Suburban Chorus sang a medley of patriotic songs, including the themes form each of the major branches of the Armed forces. Chorus member Rod Davies, dressed as Abraham Lincoln, gave a rousing rendition of the Gettysburg address.

St. Paul native and former Space Shuttle astronaut Duane "Digger" Carey provided the key note address.  Carey, a retired colonel in from the Air Force, was crew member on the Columbia space shuttle in 2002. 

Carey told the crowd that in war,  the A team members who are left on the battlefield.  He urged the audience to help bring forward another "greatest generation"  of young people.

The ceremony closed on a somber note with a rifle volley by members of the Legion and VFW posts.  A member of the Civil Air Patrol played taps.