Area Towns to Remember the Fallen
Each year on the last Monday of May, people across the United States take the day to remember those who have fallen in the line of duty while serving their country in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Communities across the Northwoods will host events to gather their communities together Monday, May 26, and pay homage to those who gave their lives for their country. These programs are put on for free and open to the public to attend.
Eagle River
In Eagle River, the Vilas County Veterans Service Office will host a service starting at 11 a.m. outside of the Vilas County Courthouse. Attendees are invited to gather at 10:45 a.m. by the Veterans Monument in the courthouse lawn.
Vilas County Veterans Service Officer Brian Thomas will open the program, followed by a performance of the National Anthem by Northland Pines High School band and choir students. The Eighth Wisconsin Artillery Cannon Salute will take place before the opening prayer, given by Rev. Dr. Timothy Shirley.
Band students will perform the "Armed Forces Medley" followed by guest speaker U.S. Army Veteran Melissa Doud. Tom McKale of the Greater Milwaukee Fire/Police Pipes and Drums will perform a bag pipe solo, and Boy and Girl Scouts will lay poppies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Northland Pines High School students will read the names of the fallen, then Brian Thomas and the Boy Scouts will perform the wreath-laying followed by another cannon salute and a moment of silence for all departed comrades.
Choir students will sing "America the Beautiful" and the Eagle River Veterans Resource Center and American Legion Post 114 will perform the Color Guard Rifle Salute. Northland Pines band students will perform "Taps" ahead of the third and final cannon salute. To close the ceremony, Rev. Shirley will give the benediction and the choir will sing "Amazing Grace."
Three Lakes
Three Lakes will begin at 10 a.m. with a solemn procession from the Three Lakes Winery, down Superior Street to the Three Lakes Cemetery. The procession will include the Three Lakes American Legion Post 431 Color Guard, along with current post Commander Christine Lamon and immediate past post Commander Mike Silber. Joining in will be members of the American Legion and Auxiliary and Three Lakes Lions Club, special graduating student guest speakers, as well as the Three Lakes High School band.
Following the procession, a service will begin at 10:15 a.m. at the cemetery, beginning with a commemoration of Memorial Day. Three Lakes High School senior speakers Ada West and Christian Jolin will address the crowd, before there is a remembrance of the 11 servicemen from Three Lakes who gave their lives for their country. There will be a three-round volley, then performances of "Taps" and "The Star-Spangled Banner," before the procession moves back to Cy Williams Park to render honors and raise the flag to full staff.
St. Germain
St. Germain's Memorial Day ceremony to honor those who died in service to their country and prisoners of war will begin at 1 p.m. at St. Germain Memorial Park. Opening remarks will be provided by Lions club member Marv Anderson, followed by an invocation by Pastor William Wendorf. The National Anthem will play and the American flag will be raised, with an introduction of the speaker Marlon Mee.
Military branch flag raising will then be completed by Lions club members, followed by a POW/MIA toast by Andy Falkenstern. To finish off the ceremony, there will be a wreath placement, the song "God Bless the USA" will play and there will be a rifle salute of Northwoods Honor Guard Taps. Lastly, Pastor Wendorf will provide the benediction.
Phelps
Phelps American Legion Post 464 will hold a ceremony starting at 1 p.m. at the Phelps Cemetery. The service will offer roll call for the fallen, and flags will be presented to the families of service members who have died.
After the cemetery service, attendees are welcome to head to the Phelps Historical Museum for its annual open house. A complimentary light lunch and refreshments will be offered until 3 p.m.
Conover
The town of Conover will hold a Memorial Day ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. at Hildegard Cemetery on Highway K.
