Honoring Service, Telling Stories: Wisconsin Marks Memorial Day and America 250

Honoring Service, Telling Stories: Wisconsin Marks Memorial Day and America 250

May 13, 2026 - Madison, WI

In honor of Wisconsin veterans and the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding, the Wisconsin Veteran Memorial Cemeteries will host events throughout May, expanding beyond traditional Memorial Day observances.

This year's Memorial Day theme, "Wisconsin Was There," highlights the state's enduring contributions to America's history. Each cemetery will also share stories of veterans laid to rest there, connecting local legacies to the broader national story.

See below for information on each of the events:

Northern Wisconsin Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Spooner, WI:

• Flag Placement; Friday, May 22^nd, 1 pm: Volunteers are invited to gather at the administration building to place flags at headstones in advance of Memorial Day.
• Memorial Day Ceremony; Saturday, May 23^rd at 1 pm

Central Wisconsin Memorial Veterans Cemetery, King, WI:

• Battlefield Cross Dedication; Wednesday, May 13^th at 1 pm
  • Unveiling and dedication of a new Battlefield Cross statue on the cemetery grounds.
• Flag Placement; Friday, May 22^nd at 5 pm:
  • Volunteers should meet at the open-air pavilion to assist with flag placement.
• Memorial Day Ceremony; Monday, May 25^th at 10 am
• Commandant House Opening and Museum Presentation; May 28^th at 4 p.m.
  • A memorandum of understanding signing with the Waupaca Historical Society will mark the transition of the historic Commandant House into a public site for tours and education. Following the ceremony, WI Veterans Museum Director Chris Kolakowski will present at the Marden Center on the history of King and Wisconsin's role in America250.

Southern Wisconsin Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Union Grove, WI:

• American250 Presentation, May 18^th at 1 p.m., Union Grove Library
  • WI Veterans Museum Director Chris Kolakowski will share stories of local veterans and Wisconsin's connection to the nation's 250th anniversary.
• Flag Placement; Saturday, May 23^rd at 7:30 am
  • Volunteers should gather near the base of the entrance hill by Sections A and B.
• Memorial Day Ceremony; Monday, May 25^th at 10 am

These events offer opportunities to honor those who served, reflect on Wisconsin's role in shaping the nation, and participate in the commemoration of America's 250th anniversary.

**Please visit WDVA's Memorial Day 2026 website for more information.

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