Memorial Day Ceremony

press release: The Madison Veterans Council’s (MVC) annual Memorial Day Ceremony will be held Monday, May 31, 2021, at Union Rest in Forest Hills Cemetery, 1 Speedway Road, Madison, to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military and all Dane County veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day. Starting at 9:30 AM Professor James Latimer will conduct the VFW 1318 Volunteer Band in a lively patriotic music concert as a prelude to the formal ceremony that will start at 10:00 AM.

Since the band’s entire concert season was canceled in 2020 and could not practice, it was decided the band would be among the honored guests this year. The Band will fill that role in the program by performing a medley of the Military service songs, "America the Beautiful," "Battle Hymn of the Republic," "The Battle Cry of Freedom" and "When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again." A truly fitting way to celebrate the band’s return and honor them for their steadfast support of veterans over the years.

The program will also feature a joint Color Guard of the Sons of the American Revolution and Marine Corps Reserve Gulf Company. The Sons of Unions Veterans of the Civil War will read General Logan’s Orders and the Gettysburg Address. The Daughters of the American Revolution will hand out small flags and programs. The Madison Veterans Firing Squad will provide Military Honors. The talented young soloist Josie Picard will open the program with the National Anthem and will close the program with "Hallelujah," Veterans Version.

The public is invited and should bring lawn chairs if they wish sit on the grassy center area at Union Rest. Portable toilets and hand washing stations will be available.

For more information, contact Fred Campbell, Secretary MVC campfred@chorus.net 608-444-1356.