WISCONSIN — The last Monday in May commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
While many see it as the official kick off to summer, thousands of Gold Star families in the state know this as a day to reflect on the service of their loved ones. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, and volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at national cemeteries.
Wisconsin is home to two national cemeteries, the Northwoods National Cemetery in Oneida County and Wood National Cemetery in Milwaukee County. The Milwaukee VA invited a small group of veterans to Wood National Cemetery to take part in a wreath- laying ceremony.
"It means so much to me, my brothers are all buried and they all served," said Vietnam veteran Jim Jacobi. "I wish we call could feel some love for them."
Gov. Tony Evers joined Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Mary Kolar and members of the Wisconsin National Guard to host a Memorial Day wreath-laying and remembrance ceremony. The service at the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King included a moment of silence and a dedication of six wreaths, one for each branch of the military and POW MIA. After a moment of silence, the Assistant Adjutant General of the Wisconsin National Guard called on Wisconsinites to take time to honor those who have died serving our country.
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"We can honor their service, we can be grateful that there are people who are willing to put their country ahead of their own welfare, and we can be a country worthy of them by leading lives worth of their sacrifice.," said Assistant Adjutant General For Readiness & Training Brigadier General Robyn Blader.
The United States marks the 30th anniversary of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 2021. The Wisconsin VA says this Memorial Day, it is paying special tribute to the men and women who were killed from January 17, 1991, to September 11, 2001.
In Altoona, the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation dedicated a portion of the new Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute in River Prairie Park. The memorial along the Eau Claire River includes three life-size bronze statues, stones to honor veterans and those killed in action, a trail tracing the history of various American conflicts, and a 140-foot tall flagpole.
Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7591 in Madison traveled to three cemeteries in Dane County to salute the fallen. At each stop, there was a brief service, the playing of Taps and a rifle salute.
"We must remember that our liberty and our sovereignty does not come cheaply," said Greg Chille, VFW 7591 Memorial Day Coordinator. "It is purchased time and time again with the sacrifices and dedication of the men and women who put on the uniform of our armed forces, sometimes at the expense of their lives."
Memorial Day can be a difficult day for veterans who have lost friends during or after a deployment. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates a Veterans Crisis Line for those dealing with a personal crisis. Support is free and confidential and open to all veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve.
The number to call is 1-800-273-8255. More resources can be found on https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.