May 15, 2007

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs to host Memorial Day Ceremonies
Events will feature theme "Land of the Free Because of the Brave"

(MADISON) – The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) announces Memorial Day ceremonies to be held as part of various commemorative ceremonies statewide during the Memorial Day weekend.

"The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs encourages Wisconsin citizens to honor and remember our fallen servicemembers through this year's theme of 'Land of the Free Because of the Brave'," said Acting Secretary William Kloster.

"It is important that everyone take time to honor the brave servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice in support of our nation and to protect our freedoms. We also remember those who served and are no longer with us -- from the foot soldiers of our earliest history to those who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Kloster.

Ceremonies being conducted at Wisconsin's Veterans Memorial cemeteries include:

Sunday, May 27, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. – Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery – Union Grove.

Sunday, May 27, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. – Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery – Spooner.

Monday, May 28, 2007 – Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery - King. Lakeside memorial services at 9:30 a.m. followed by a ceremony at the cemetery at 10:00 a.m.

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum will have special Memorial Day weekend hours, and will be open on Sunday, May 27, 2007 from Noon to 4:00 p.m. and Monday, May 28, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition to the ongoing exhibits, still on display is the temporary exhibit – "In the Belly of the Dragon" – which includes a full-size re-creation of a Vietnam War firebase camp. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is located at 30 West Mifflin Street on the Capitol Square in downtown Madison.

For those who cannot attend any Memorial Day ceremonies in person, the National Moment of Remembrance asks Americans to pause for a moment of silent contemplation, wherever you are, on May 28th, at 3:00 p.m., to remember America's fallen.

For more information about Memorial Day and ceremonies taking place throughout the state, see the WDVA Events web page at www.dva.state.wi.us/Events, or call 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387). For information on WDVA programs and services visit our home page at www.dva.state.wi.us.