Retired Army Col. Mark Baaden will be the keynote speaker at Erdman Automotive’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony. The event will take place at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 22, at the Erdman dealership on I-95/S.R. 520 in Cocoa. The ceremony is part of the dealership’s tradition of honoring military service members and veterans.
Baaden served in the Army for over two decades, participating in five major deployments. His service included two tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and 2007, a deployment to New Orleans in 2005 to support Hurricane Katrina relief, a tour in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011, and a mission in Somalia in 2016. He retired from the Army in 2017.
The ceremony will include remarks from Baaden, a moment of silence for fallen service members, and a display of military honors. Erdman Automotive has hosted the event annually since 2015, drawing attendees from across Brevard County. The dealership’s location on I-95/S.R. 520 makes it accessible to residents in Cocoa and surrounding areas.
Erdman Automotive manager Sarah Thompson said the event aims to recognize the sacrifices of military personnel. ‘It’s a way to connect with the community and show appreciation for those who serve,’ she said. The ceremony will conclude with a flag-raising and a reception for attendees. No tickets are required, and the event is open to the public.