December 2, 2009

Pearl Harbor Day to be observed
Ceremony at Union Grove to honor veterans

(MADISON) – To mark the 68th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and America’s entry into World War II, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) will host two ceremonies on Monday, December 7, 2009. Governor Jim Doyle has proclaimed December 7, 2009 as a day for the recognition of Pearl Harbor Day in Wisconsin, and the proclamation will be read at the ceremonies.

The department will hold a ceremony at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove at 10:00 a.m., in the Multi-Purpose Room of Boland Hall. WDVA Secretary Ken Black will serve as the department speaker and will read the Governor’s proclamation. The emcee will be World War II submariner veteran Walter Stenavich of Racine. In addition, Pearl Harbor survivors in attendance will include John Primus of Beaver Dam and Robert Feller, Sr. of Verona. Posting of the colors will be presented by a color guard with members representative of the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove. The National Anthem and other patriotic selections will be performed by the Union Grove High School under the direction of Kristin Novaez. The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by World War II veteran Michael Prochaska of Racine. And, the Submarine Bell Memorial Ceremony will be rendered by U.S. Submariners Owen Williams and Russ Collins.

“December 7 of each year is a special day set aside to honor our veterans who served in World War II and especially to remember those who were serving at Pearl Harbor and in the Pacific during the attack on Pearl Harbor 68 years ago,” said Secretary Black.

Special attendees at the Union Grove ceremony will include Pearl Harbor survivors, legislators, members of the veterans community to include veterans service organizations, and Union Grove Home staff and members. The public is invited to attend this ceremony and also a ceremony being hosted at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, at 7:30 a.m. in the Marden Memorial Center, with U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Karen Firestone Muntean as the keynote speaker.

For information about Pearl Harbor Day, go to www.WisVets.com/PearlHarborDay, and to learn about other WDVA events, go to www.WisVets.com/Events or call toll-free at 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387).