Mayor Proclaims Apr. 15 'Joseph A. Kennedy Day'

In its first act in front of a packed house Monday evening, the city council honored deceased U.S. Army Specialist Joseph A. Kennedy by proclaiming Apr. 15 "Joseph Kennedy Day" in Inver Grove Heights.

Kennedy, who graduated from Simley High School in 2004, was killed on April 15 in the Ghazni province of Afghanistan, after his unit came under small arms fire by insurgents. 

The city council chambers were filled wall-to-wall with Gold Star Moms, IGH firefighters, police, Patriot Guard Riders and military veterans from the community. 

A support group of moms who have lost a child in combat, Valerie Kennedy called the Gold Star Mothers "the most amazing group of people you never want to meet."

Perhaps the most touching moment of the presentation came when Kennedy's surviving family members were presented with an Honor and Remember Flag—a national symbol designed to recognize America's fallen soldiers.   

During his service with the military, Kennedy earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

, and awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart and Bronze Star posthumously. 

IGH mayor George Tourville concluded the presentation by presenting the Kennedys with a plaque commemorating Apr. 15 as Joe's day.

"This is presented to you with eternal gratitude and respect," Tourville said.