Memorial Day Ceremony

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Memorial Day

Madison area ceremonies include the Madison Veterans Council event, which begins with music by the VFW Post 1318 Band at 9:15 a.m. at Union Rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, followed by speakers at 10 a.m.; Fitchburg's observance, at 12:30 p.m. at Gorman Wayside Veterans Memorial Park; and the American Legion Post 151 ceremony, 2 p.m. at Sunset Memory Gardens. Monona's celebration begins with a VFW Post 7591 ceremony at 9:30 a.m. at Monona Grove High School, followed by a parade south along Monona Drive; the post also conducts brief ceremonies at 11:15 a.m. at Blooming Grove Cemetery, noon at Roselawn Memorial Cemetery, 1 p.m. at Highland Memorial Cemetery, Cottage Grove, 2 p.m. at Madison Veteran’s Memorial Park, and at 3 p.m. at VFW Post 7591. Activities in Cross Plains begin with a parade at 11 a.m. followed by a ceremony and chicken barbecue at American Legion Park. And Veterans for Peace-Clarence Kailin Chapter hosts a peace rally with speakers (including a keynote by Matt Rothschild) and music, starting at 1 p.m. at Gates of Heaven; the annual VFP Memorial Mile display in remembrance of soldiers killed in military action is at the Labor Temple through the morning of June 3.

press release: The Madison Veterans Council’s (MVC) annual Memorial Day Ceremony will be held Monday, May 29, 2023 at Union Rest in Forest Hills Cemetery, 1 Speedway Road, Madison WI to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military and 280 Madison and Dane County Veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day. Starting at 9:15 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.

The Band is excited to begin its 73rd season and we know they will provide another exceptional performance this year, in their 45 minute prelude concert and in the main program by performing the following: Military Service Medley, America the Beautiful, Battle Cry of Freedom, 132nd Division March and When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again. Integrating the Band into the program is our way to celebrate and honor them for their steadfast support of Veterans over the years.

The Program will also feature a Color Guard of the Sons of the American Revolution. The talented soloist, Allison Kelly will open the program with the National Anthem, also attending will be Civil Air Patrol Cadets. The Sons of Unions Veterans of the Civil War will read General Logan’s Orders and the Gettysburg Address. Jennifer Van Haaften, Assistant Director of WI Veterans Museum will be a keynote speaker. The Daughters of the American Revolution will hand out flags, programs and a staff table with free books and information on the MVC and its organizations.

The Madison Veterans Firing Squad will provide Military Honors with a rifle salute, taps and a Benediction by its Chaplin. Finally the 1318 Band will close the program with a stirring rendition of the Wisconsin Forward Forever march.

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

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