This Memorial Day, the beautiful and historic Evergreen Cemetery will once again serve as the backdrop for Menomonie’s annual Memorial Day observance. The ceremony begins at 9:30am on Monday, May 25 on Lake Menomin at 13th Street NE.

• Guest Speaker: Randy Wood, Gulf War Veteran, U.S. Marine Corp
• Invocation/Benediction: Pastor Rene Mehlberg, First Congregational Church
• Vocalist: Cassie Giannini
• Readings: Scouting members Isaiah & Lillianna Bushendorf and VFW Auxiliary
• Salute by Menomonie Honor Guard
• The playing of Taps by Menomonie High School students Oliver Kerze and Timmy Berends
• Reading of names of deceased Dunn County veterans within last year

The observance is hosted by the Dunn County Patriotic Council, Hosford-Chase Post 32 American Legion, Menomonie Post 1039 VFW, Menomonie Honor Guard and AMVETS Post 72.

About Evergreen Cemetery

Established in 1873 with land donated by the Knapp, Stout & Company Lumber operation, the cemetery is on the State and National Register of Historic Places since 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.

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. The road to the cemetery closes at 9:30am and remains closed during the ceremony.
• In the event of heavy rain, the ceremony will be moved to The Yard (formerly Dean & Sue’s) at 2002 Midway Rd (2 mi west of Menomonie off Hwy 29)
• After the ceremony, attendees are welcome to stay and walk the cemetery grounds.

Other Memorial Day Ceremonies in Dunn County on May 25

• Hay River Cemetery (Hwy 25 & 64); 7:45am; Host: Johnson-Whistler American Legion Post 323 & AMVETS Post 72
• Zion Cemetery, 8:30am; Host: Host: Johnson-Whistler American Legion Post 323 & AMVETS Post 72
• New Haven Cemetery, 9:15am, Host: Johnson-Whistler American Legion Post 323 & AMVETS Post 72
• Connorsville Lutheran Cemetery, 9:45am, Host: Johnson-Whistler American Legion Post 323 & AMVETS Post 72
• Chimney Rock, 10:15, Host: Johnson-Whistler American Legion Post 323 & AMVETS Post 72
• Hay River Town Hall, 11am, Host: Johnson-Whistler American Legion Post 323 & AMVETS Post 72
• Wheeler Cemetery, 11:30am, Host: AMVETS Post 72 and Wheeler VFW
• Boyceville Tiffany Cemetery, Noon, Host: AMVETS Post 72 and Wheeler VFW
• Lucas Cemetery, 1pm, Host: AMVETS Post 72
• Potters Field – Menomonie, 3pm, Host: AMVETS Post 72 and Menomonie Honor Guard

Across Dunn County more than 4,539 veterans are laid to rest in over 80 cemeteries. Each year, volunteers place flags in their honor, ensuring their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

Memorial Day is a time to reflect, remember, and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. Please consider joining in one of these meaningful tributes.

For more information about the Memorial Day events contact: Dunn County Veterans Service Office 715-232-1646 or [email protected].

Becky Kneer is an LTC, U.S. Army Nurse Corp (Retired) and co-editor, MNN.

Sources: News release, Dunn County Veterans Service Office