November 2, 2006

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs to host Veterans Day Ceremony at Union Grove

(MADISON) -- Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary John A. Scocos announces that Veterans Day ceremonies will take place throughout the state on Saturday, November 11th, with the theme this year of "Thankful Remembrance."

"Veterans Day is a day to honor and pay special tribute to those who have served their nation in military service, as well as those currently serving," said Scocos. "They deserve our thanks and remembrance for their service, from World War II veterans to our servicemembers returning from and still serving in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Locally, there will be an 11:00 a.m. ceremony on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11, at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery (SWVMC). The cemetery is located at 21731 Spring Street, Union Grove. Veterans and the public are invited to attend. Seating is available; however, attendees are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs. The event is held outside and those attending are encouraged to bring additional warm clothing. Parking is available on the cemetery grounds.

Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs member Walter Stenavich of Racine will provide welcoming remarks.

The keynote speaker will be Bill Kloster, Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Kloster is an Army veteran who served from 1976 – 1996 with assignments at home and abroad in Armor, Aviation and Material Acquisition Management/Technical Testing. As Deputy Secretary, he oversees operations and coordinates and directs strategic planning, program development and state and federal legislation for the Department. Military Remarks will be presented by First Sergeant (Ret.) Rick Stelpflug, 229th Engineer Company, Wisconsin Army National Guard.

Master of Ceremonies will be Marian Lewandowski, Director of the SWVMC. The 1st Cavalry Troopers will post the colors and Taps will be sounded by “Bugles Across America/Echo Taps.” Andy Sandgren, Eagle Scout from Racine, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Reverend John Ketchum of Racine will offer the Invocation and Benediction. The National Anthem and other musical selections will be sung by Dana Osinga. John Kampershroer and Joe Beuer, both Korean Veterans and Purple Heart Recipients, will place the Wreath of Remembrance. The ceremonial rifle salute will be presented by the Marine Corps League Det. 346.

In addition to the ceremony at Union Grove, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs will host other Veterans Day events around the state. Further information about Wisconsin 2006 Veterans Day programs and ceremonies, as well as resources about Veterans Day in general, can be found on WDVA's website at www.dva.state.wi.us -- click on the Veterans Day 2006 icon to www.dva.state.wi.us/vetsday.asp. Or call toll-free 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387).