 June 2026
On May 23, 24, and 25, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) observed Memorial Day at our three state veteran cemeteries located in King, Spooner, and Union Grove, WI, as we remembered the service and sacrifices of all those who died defending our nation in the U.S. Armed Forces.
This year, our Memorial Day theme was “Wisconsin was there.” In light of the upcoming Semiquincentennial, these ceremonies emphasized the contributions and sacrifices that Wisconsin’s servicemembers and veterans have made throughout the years and to highlight the important connections these brave men and women have to our nation’s founding days.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers attended and gave keynote remarks at the Memorial Day ceremony at Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, WI, on Monday, May 25th. WDVA Secretary James Bond gave remarks this year at the Memorial Day ceremonies at the veteran cemeteries in Union Grove and King.
"The fallen men and women we remember here today are no longer with us physically, but they are and will always be with us spiritually," said Secretary Bond. "Like the bond that binds all veterans, both living and deceased, the bond we all have with the heroes we honor today is sacred and solemn."
More information about WDVA's three state veteran cemeteries can be found at wisvets.com
*Pictured above are photos taken from the 2026 Memorial Day ceremony at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove held on Sunday, May 24.
WDVA announced that Army Veteran and Anna Mae Robertson Veteran Legacy Award recipient Berdie L. Cowser, PhD, has been appointed to the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs. It is a nine-member, part-time citizen advisory board to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. The board is made up of one representative from each of the state’s eight congressional districts and one at-large member. Dr. Cowser will serve as the District 4 member.
“I want to extend a warm welcome to Dr. Berdie Cowser in joining the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs,” said Secretary James Bond. “Her commitment and dedication to veteran advocacy have provided safety and stability for struggling veterans, especially for hundreds of women veterans and families rebuilding their lives after miliary service."
“I am deeply honored to serve on the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Board of Veterans Affairs and represent veterans across Wisconsin," said Dr. Cowser. "As a veteran and longtime advocate, I understand the sacrifices our veterans and their families have made. I look forward to helping strengthen opportunities, resources, and support systems that ensure Wisconsin veterans are seen, heard, and well served.”
Please join us in congratulating and welcoming, Dr. Cowser. Read the full press release here.
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The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs hosted a public ceremony to unveil a new Battlefield Cross statue at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, near Waupaca, WI, on Wednesday, May 13. WDVA Secretary James Bond gave keynote remarks expressing appreciation for the community’s efforts to help make the new monument possible.
"As we look toward Memorial Day ceremonies and the 250th anniversary of the founding of our Republic, it seems right and fitting that Wisconsin's oldest veteran's cemetery now has its own battlefield cross for visitors, veterans, and their families to experience and to reflect upon," said Secretary Bond.
The monument was made possible by the generous donations from local American Legion Post 161 and VFW Post 1037. Both have an extensive and proud history of serving veterans, especially as rifle teams and honor guard partners at the veteran’s cemetery.
View more photos from the Monument unveiling here.
Read the full press release here. Learn more about our veteran memorial cemeteries at wisvets.com.
As part of the America250 national celebration, a time capsule will be buried on July 4, 2026, at Independence National Historical Park, in Philadelphia, PA. America’s Time Capsule contains objects from all 56 U.S. states and territories and the three branches of the federal government. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum contributed items that represent the state of Wisconsin and its many people.
Wisconsin’s submission includes items related to 'Old Abe' the Civil War eagle of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment: a feather of Old Abe’s, a photocard of Old Abe sold at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, and a military badge with his likeness. In addition to the Old Abe materials, letters from Wisconsin’s Governor Tony Evers, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, State Supreme Court Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky, Wisconsin Senator Dianne Hesselbein, and Wisconsin Veterans Museum Director Chris Kolakowski were sent. Rounding out the submission are items from Native Nations within the state. Two of those Nations, the Oneida and Stockbridge-Munsee, fought with the colonies during the War of Independence.
“It is an honor to help assemble this message for generations 250 years in the future. As we considered what to include, Old Abe was a standout choice. He was a star of Wisconsin’s contribution to the Centennial Exposition in 1876 and remains and enduring symbol of the state to this day,” said Wisconsin Veterans Museum Director Chris Kolakowski.
Read the official press release from Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Read the news story courtesy of WFRV Green Bay.
Pictured is 'Old Abe', the war eagle of 8th Wisconsin during Civil War, on permanent display at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in downtown Madison.
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The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, Waupaca Historical Society, and the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King on Thursday, May 27th celebrated a new partnership and signing of an agreement that will bring back the Waupaca community to the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King campus regarding the historic Commandant's House.
“Thanks to the efforts of dedicated community partners, the Commandant’s House at King will continue to add to the long and proud history of serving veterans that goes back almost a century and a half,” said Secretary Bond. “Together we can ensure this treasure continues to inspire future generations the same way it inspires us.”
Since 1888, the Commandants House has stood sentinel to the Chain O’Lakes and the Veterans Home. This year, the Waupaca Historical Society is taking over the running of this registered historical site and opening it to the public.
The signing of a memorandum of understanding was followed by tours of the Commandant’s House. In addition to the signing, Wisconsin Veterans Museum's Director Chris Kolakowski presented remarks about “250 Years in the Making: Central Wisconsin’s Revolutionary Legacy”, in honor of America250, and discussing the contributions that Wisconsin veterans have had on the nation since 1776.
View more pictures from this historic event here. Pictured is the Commandant's House at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King on May 28, 2026. Read the full press release here.
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June is National PTSD Awareness Month. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to raising awareness and lifting the stigma relating to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, by connecting veterans and their families with the resources they need to heal.
WDVA's Veteran Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP) has resources and outreach coordinators covering all 72 Wisconsin counties. Learn how our VORP program can help veterans dealing with PTSD symptoms get connected with free, local, and regional mental health resources. Learn more at our website
If you know of a veteran who is struggling with a mental health crisis or dealing with suicidal thoughts, help is available right now! Call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 on your phone, then press 1, phone to be connected with compassionate, professional, and confidential help 24/7.
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Happy Pride Month!
Earlier this month, WDVA Secretary James Bond attended the Pride Flag raising ceremony with Governor Evers over the Wisconsin State Capitol as June 2026 is National Pride Month recognizing the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community.
"As an openly-gay, African American, disabled Marine Corps veteran with over 3 decades of service – service to my country, the State of Wisconsin, and to my fellow veterans, I am deeply honored, and thankful to Governor Evers for the opportunity to serve veterans, tell their stories, and honor their contributions." - Secretary Bond, Pride Flag Raising 2023 Speech
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 On Friday, June 5, an enthusiastic group of members braved the damp, rainy weather to reel in Rainbow Trout and later enjoy a delicious fish fry prepared by Union Grove Veterans Home staff and volunteers.
WDVA is grateful to the Home's skilled care team and dedicated volunteers who worked together to adapt to the rainy weather to hold both morning and afternoon fishing sessions with our veterans.
A special thanks goes to the state, local, and are community partners who helped make this annual tradition a success. Thank you to the wardens from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, fish tanks courtesy of American Outdoor Experiences, water tanks filled by the Kansasville Fire Department, tents provided by Palmen Chevrolet, and over 200 pounds of Rainbow Trout stocked by Silver Moon Fishery of Elton, WI. The Fisheree event was an overwhelming success for everyone involved and plans are being made for another one in September.
Are you interested in volunteering with special events at our Home? Please contact the Home via email at: VolunteerServicesUG@dva.wi.gov.
View more pictures from the Fisheree on the Facebook page for the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove.
Looking for a new, rewarding career? WDVA is looking for great people like you to help us serve veterans in Wisconsin! This month's featured job opening is for an Activities Therapy Assistant at our Wisconsin Veterans Home at King.
You can also search for WDVA's job openings across the state which includes various positions with our administrative offices in Milwaukee and Madison, our three veteran memorial cemeteries, and skilled caregivers at our three state veteran homes.
To view all available openings, and learn how to apply, please visit wisc.jobs today!
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