Families of veterans may now choose whether they’d like to hold memorial services for their loved ones at the Veterans Memorial Park in Alexandria.
The first such celebration of life service was held Wednesday, Sept. 16. Alexandria resident Sally Baumann had called and asked whether her brother-in-law’s name could be inscribed on a monolith, since he was from Wisconsin. She said the answer was an enthusiastic yes, any soldier can be honored at the Veterans Memorial Park.
The service was for James Freiberg, 99, who died Aug. 9. Freiberg served in the Air Force during World War II as a photographer in England, flying low over bombed sites to send back information.
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Baumann talked about Freiberg’s service in the war and shared a powerful experience she had bringing her niece to the Veterans Memorial Park for the first time.
Greg Billberg of First Lutheran Church officiated the service and commented on the significance of holding it at the park.
“This beautiful space in our community is going to be meaningful for years and years to come,” Billberg said. “Every person deserves dignity. Every person deserves to be remembered.”
For more information about the park, go to www.alexveteranspark.org or call 320-460-8303.
