Memorial Day Ceremony

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Justin Casey on Unsplash

Memorial Day

media release: The Madison Veterans Council’s (MVC) annual Memorial Day Ceremony will be held Monday, May 26, 2025 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 this year's Honor Roll of 237 Madison and Dane County Veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day.

Starting at 9:15AM , Conductor Dave Pedracine will lead the VFW 1318 Volunteer Band in its 75th year in lively patriotic music concert as a prelude to the formal Ceremony that will start at 10:00 AM. In its 45 minute prelude the band will play Of Honor and Valor Eternal, a song that honored the Tuskegee Airmen when awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. The song's theme of dignity, courage, and patriotism resonated deeply with legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. The music program will include: Military Service Medley, America the Beautiful, Battle Cry of Freedom, and Wisconsin Forever. The Madison Veterans Council is proud to showcase the band and honor them for their steadfast support of Veterans over the years.

The Program will also feature two talented soloist, Allison Kelley will open the program with the National Anthem, and Sejal Sundaram close with the veteran version of Hallelujah. John Decker, Dane County Historic Society President will be the keynote speaker with a theme of Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural, the end of the Civil War and Lincoln's effort to use music to heal and reunite the county. Sons of Unions Veterans of the Civil War will recite General Logan’s Orders and the Gettysburg Address.

A color guard of the Sons of the American Revolution and Civil Air Patrol Cadets will present the colors. The Daughters of the American Revolution will hand out flags, programs, lead the Pledge of Allegiance and have a table of information on Madison Veteran Council organizations. The Madison Veterans Firing Squad will provide military honors with a rifle salute, taps and a benediction by its chaplain. Finally the we hope many of the Honor Roll next of kin who received the mayor of Madison's invitation letter will to attend. The public is invited and should bring lawn chairs if they wish to sit on the grassy area at Union Rest. Portable toilets and washing stations will be available.