Memorial Day is a time to honor U.S. Military Personnel who served their country. For the people of Prior Lake, Minnesota, it was also a chance to pay tribute to veterans with a special mural at the local Ace Hardware.

"In Prior Lake, we’ve had a strong desire to show our community our history through art," said Mayor Kirt Briggs. After the success of the first mural depicting the past and present of the community, he pitched the idea of adding another mural to the side of a large exterior wall of the local Ace Hardware.

After consulting with local veterans, the community members involved in the mural planning decided to honor the iconic photo "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima." This Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph from 1945 depicts six United States Marines raising the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in the final stages of the Pacific War.

Ace Hardware co-owners Al Imholte and Michelle Carlson Imholte donated the mural to the community. A local artist who went to school with Al, Greg Preslicka, was contracted to paint the mural. Al suggested using Aura paint, which was provided for the project by Benjamin Moore. "I thought it’d be something cool for the town. And something neat to bring the community," said Michelle.

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Rich Huston donated a vial of sand from Iwo Jima that was incorporated into the mural. At the unveiling ceremony for the mural, there was a large turnout of support from the local community, including a gathering of Veterans in full uniform.

"Ace Hardware is really in the heart of our downtown," said Mayor Briggs. "The outpouring of support could not have been more heartwarming."