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For Immediate Release 

May 11, 2015

WDVA to Host

Memorial Day Ceremonies

MADISON – Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary John A. Scocos today announced Memorial Day 2015 ceremonies at each of the state’s three veterans cemeteries.

“We gather this Memorial Day at our state’s veterans cemeteries as we always do to recognize and honor those brave men and women who gave their lives in service to their nation,” said Secretary Scocos. “Our nation has sacrificed many of its best and brightest – Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsman – in answering our nation’s call to arms. It is our privilege to pay them our respect this Memorial Day.

Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery

Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Union Grove) will hold a ceremony on Sunday, May 24 at 11:00 a.m. Governor Scott Walker is the invited keynote speaker. The Commemorative Air Force will conduct a flyover during the ceremony, weather permitting.

The event is held outdoors and those attending are encouraged to dress accordingly.  Seating under a tent will be available. Attendees may also bring their own lawn chairs.  Parking is available on the cemetery grounds.

Gravesite flags will be placed on veterans’ graves on Saturday, May 23, 2015 starting at 8:00 a.m. by volunteers. Anyone wishing to assist is welcome to participate.

The cemetery is located at 21731 Spring Street, Union Grove, adjacent to the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove.

In addition to the ceremony at Union Grove, the WDVA will host Memorial Day Ceremonies throughout the state at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Center in Spooner at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 23rd, and at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at King at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 25th.

For more information about the Memorial Day Ceremony at Union Grove contact the SWVMC office at (262) 878-5660.

Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery

Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Spooner) will hold a ceremony on Saturday, May 23 at 1:00 p.m. at which Wisconsin State Senator Janet Bewley will be the keynote speaker. A vintage airplane flyover during the ceremony, weather permitting, will take place.

Spooner area Boy Scouts will place flags on veterans Graves Friday, May 22, 2015 starting at 4:30 p.m.

The event is held outdoors and those attending are encouraged to dress accordingly. Seating under a tent will be available. Attendees may also bring their own lawn chairs. Parking is available on the cemetery grounds.

The cemetery is located at N4063 Veterans Way just off Highway 53, three miles south of Spooner WI.

In addition to the ceremony at Spooner, the WDVA will host Memorial Day Ceremonies throughout the state at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 24th, and at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at King at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 25th.

For more information about the Memorial Day ceremony at Spooner, contact the NWVMC office at (715) 635-5360.

Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery

Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery and the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King will hold a ceremony on Monday, May 25 at 9:30 a.m. with a waterside service led by the Woman’s Relief Corp at the Marden Center followed by a ceremony at the cemetery at 10:00 a.m. The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War will be performing a re-dedication of the Central Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery in honor of the 150th Anniversary of the end of the Civil War. Board of Veterans Affairs Chairman John Townsend will be the keynote speaker.

Volunteers are needed to help place over 6,500 flags on gravesites at the cemetery.  Interested parties may report to the cemetery at 6:00 a.m., Monday, May 26th. Staff will be present to distribute flags and provide guidance for new volunteers.

Each year, the cemetery and veterans home are fortunate to have many volunteers who generously donate their time and resources, including: The Woman’s Relief Corp, Members of the King Recreation Committee and numerous Veteran Service Organization representatives.

For more information regarding the Memorial Day ceremony or the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, please contact the Office of Member and Public Relations, (715) 258-4247.

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