Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of summer. Many of us are already making plans for the long weekend. We’ll gather with family and friends at barbecues, graduations, sporting events, and concerts to celebrate our good fortune and chart a fun-filled season ahead enjoying Wisconsin’s exceptional bounty.
As in years past, the Menomonie community will acknowledge Memorial Day and its deeper meaning with a commemorative event on Monday, May 26th at 9:30 a.m. in Evergreen Cemetery.
What Happens at Evergreen Cemetery Ceremony?
Participants will include local officials, students, veteran service organizations, and community members. The ceremony will be marked by a presentation of the colors, patriotic music and readings, the ritual casting of flowers on the water, roll call of Dunn County’s 2024 deceased veterans, release of homing pigeons to honor the fallen, and will close with the playing of “Taps.” (You are encouraged to bring your own chair).
Origins of Memorial Day
Originally known as Decoration Day, it dates back to the aftermath of the Civil War as a day to honor the graves of Union soldiers who died in that conflict. The first countrywide ceremony was observed at Arlington National Cemetery in 1868. The tradition endures to the present when Americans across the country pause to reflect and pay homage to those who laid down their lives in defense of our nation and to ensure their stories are never forgotten. Flags will be flown at half-mast until noon. It’s a national day of mourning as well as a solemn celebration.
We rightly mourn the loss of brave men and women in service to our country. They were sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, parents, friends, and neighbors. Each had hopes, dreams, and futures they set aside to confront tyranny, oppression and the forces of evil that threatened our national wellbeing. Equally significant, we celebrate America’s unique character. Its’ distinctive nature fostered a high sense of purpose and patriotism in its citizenry that compelled them to stand unflinching in the face of challenge to our democratic values and principles. With understanding comes responsibility.
For all its imperfections, America remains the envy of the free world. Here we enjoy the right to speak, to gather, to worship and to dream. These freedoms have advanced over generations at enormous cost borne largely by the courage and sacrifice of our fallen service men and women. Our duty is to ensure their legacy lives on. This task is especially difficult today as fewer and fewer people elect to serve in the military and when distractions to serious reflection abound. Regardless, to unite this day as a grateful nation for the privileges conveyed upon us by the selfless service of others is a befitting and necessary tribute.
Consider taking advantage of this opportunity on Monday, May 26 here in Menomonie to express your heartfelt thanks to the brave men and women who, as President Abraham Lincoln so artfully rendered in his Gettysburg address, “gave the last full measure of devotion” in uniformed service to our great country. In so doing, we will renew our commitment to them by striving to be a nation worthy of their sacrifice.
May we never forget.
Kevin McGrath is a Menomonie resident, a retired US Army officer and past featured Menomonie Memorial Day speaker.
Event sponsored by the Dunn County Veterans Service Office. Contact 715-232-1646.
