This Memorial Day, the beautiful and historic Evergreen Cemetery will once again serve as the backdrop for Menomonie’s annual observance. The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 26, at 13th Street NE—home to one of our community’s most cherished landmarks.

Greg Quinn, Dunn County Veterans Service Officer, shares that this year’s event will feature guest speaker Pastor August Hohl, Jr., CW3, U.S. Army (Retired), and pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie.

The program will also include:

• Vocal solos by Cassie Giannini

• Readings by siblings Isaiah and Lillianna Bushendorf, 7th and 9th grade students

• A ceremonial release of homing pigeons to honor our fallen, by Menomonie resident Tom Vanderloop

• The playing of Taps by Menomonie High School students Kloie Bailey, Oliver Kerze, and Timmy Berends

The observance is hosted by the Dunn County Patriotic Council, Hosford-Chase Post 32 American Legion, Menomonie Post 1039 VFW, the Menomonie Honor Guard and Dunn County Veterans Service Office.

What to Know:

• Bring a chair or blanket to sit on during the ceremony.

• Those with mobility concerns are encouraged to arrive early and drive onto the cemetery “island” for closer parking.

• In the event of rain, the ceremony will be moved to Kyote’s Bar & Grill on Highway 29.

After the ceremony, attendees are welcome to stay and walk the cemetery grounds.

About Evergreen Cemetery

Evergreen Cemetery is not just a place of rest but a place of deep historical significance. Established in 1873 with land donated by the Knapp, Stout & Company lumber operation, it was added to both the State and National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

Surrounded by Lake Menomin, the cemetery became an island between the 1920s and 1950s as water levels rose. It offers stunning views in every direction, with more than 6,300 recorded gravesites along winding, rustic paths. Many of Menomonie’s founders are buried here, and the grounds include a monument to Civil War Veterans.

Memorial Day services have been held here since 1901, making this annual observance a proud tradition that continues to bring the community together.

Memorial Day is a time to reflect, remember, and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful tribute.

Becky Kneer, LTC, U.S. Army Nurse Corp (Retired) is co-editor of Menomonie News Net.

Contact: Greg Quinn, Dunn County Veterans Service Officer 715-232-1646 [email protected]