Editor’s note: This article was submitted from the 367th Public Affairs/1st Infantry Division unit currently located in Basra, Iraq. A group of women in Husaniyah, Iraq recently graduated from a beekeeping class, a project of the Karbala Provincial Reconstruction Team, led by Chaska native John Kincannon. Kincannon, a 1980 Chaska High School graduate, was last profiled in the Chaska Herald in 2003, when he served as a U.S. State Department press liaison. He is being inducted into the Chaska High School Hall of Fame this spring. John’s parents, Gayle and Jim, live in Chaska.

Chaska Middle School West hosted its annual Veterans Day program on Wednesday. The event began with a flag raising, gun salute and taps in front of the school.

By Mark W. Olson

What should people get out of the new veterans exhibit?

Carver County Historical Society curator Larry Hutchings, taking a brief break from his work bench, ponders the question before replying that he hopes it “comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable.”

The Veterans Gallery, in the county historical society building, opens at 11 a.m., Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

Chaska VFW Post 1791 will host the flag retirement ceremonies at 6:30 p.m., June 4, according to Ken Neukircher, VFW Post commander.

Waconia AMVETS (American Veterans) will do the flag disposal. The public is invited to see this ceremony, which is held inn the park across from post, at 620 Creek Road

If you have a flag that is faded, worn, torn or fared, you may drop it off at the VFW. If you need a new one, the post has flags that the public may purchase.

Ladies and Gentleman let me begin by thanking the members of our American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, for allowing me to participate in the Memorial Day ceremonies in our community. Memorial Day has significance to me and I am truly honored to be with you today.

HONOR COURAGE VIRTUE

Local veterans groups organized Chaska’s annual Memorial Day services on May 25. The events started out with visits to area cemeteries, followed by a parade and a ceremony in City Square Park. Hundreds of residents attended the event, held on a perfect spring day.

Included in this video are images from the Mount Pleasant and St. John’s cemetery visits, the parade, and a couple speakers at the City Square Park ceremony – Chaska Mayor Gary Van Eyll and American Legion Post 57 Commander Steve Nelson.