GRAFTON - The National Memorial of Military Ascent was officially dedicated Saturday morning, June 6, 2026, in Grafton on the 82nd anniversary of D-Day with an emotional, hour-long ceremony.
The ceremony began at 9:30 a.m. June 6, 2026, after the Mike Burke Orchestra played military songs at 9 a.m. The dedication included colors by the Leech Lake Ojibwe Honor Guard, American Legion Post 648, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 805, followed by an invocation by NMMA Chaplain Warren Gohl and a community rendition of the national anthem.
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Mayor Michael R. Morrow of Grafton said the event was intended to honor veterans and dedicate the monument.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we are gathered this morning to honor our veterans and dedicate this monument to the indomitable spirit of the American people, and to all those who stepped up to defend our nation and the freedoms we enjoy today," he said at the opening of the ceremony.
According to Morrow, the memorial’s centerpiece was inspired by the U.S. Army Rangers who scaled the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc during the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944.
“Their courage served as the inspiration for the memorial’s centerpiece - twelve life-sized bronze Rangers ascending a limestone bluff overlooking the Mississippi River,” he said.
Jered P. Helwig, deputy commander of the U.S. Transportation Command at Scott Air Force, delivered the keynote address. He stressed reflections on “military service, leadership, sacrifice, and the importance of preserving the stories of those who defended freedom.”
Hedwig added, "It is great to be here and great to see this great monument come up. It is really incredible to see in person."
Morrow said the ceremony also highlighted stories of courage and sacrifice from World War II, including the experiences of French civilians who survived the Nazi occupation and the heroism of Private Dwight Kerr, a combat medic who landed in the first wave on Omaha Beach and later earned the Silver Star.
Special recognition was given to Jayne and John Simmons and Simmons Hanly Conroy for what Morrow described as huge transformational support. Recognition was also given to Ben Allen, Carolina Bronze Foundry, Henderson Associates Architects, Tarlton Corporation, Bollinger Services, Sheppard, Morgan & Schwaab Engineers, and donors, founding members, volunteers, and community partners.
The ceremony concluded with an official ribbon cutting, and guests were invited to visit the monument.
Morrow said the memorial is a tribute to veterans and to the American spirit of service and sacrifice.
"This is a day we planned for since December 2022, when the Grafton City Council went ahead and appointed the commission for the project," he said. "We had seating for 500 people, and it looked like we well exceeded that."
