A U.S. Marine Corps rifleman will be the featured speaker at the annual Evergreen Memorial Day Ceremony, a longstanding local tradition honoring those who gave their lives in service to the nation.
Ther service begins at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 26, at Evergreen Cemetery. This year’s featured speaker will be Marine Corps veteran Randy Wood, who served six years on active duty as a rifleman and is a veteran of the first Gulf War. The ceremony includes a presentation of the colors, patriotic music and readings, as well as closing with the playing of “Taps.”
The Dunn County Veterans Service Office has partnered with the Dunn County Patriotic Council for many years to organize the event. Greg A. Quinn, Dunn County Veterans Service Officer, said the purpose of the event goes far beyond a single day of observance.
“Memorial Day is about coming together as a community to honor and remember the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, while also supporting the veterans and families who carry that legacy forward,” Quinn said. “It’s an opportunity to help people of all ages better understand the meaning of the day and to strengthen our sense of gratitude, civic responsibility, and unity.”
The service is designed to appeal to veterans and the public alike. Organizers are placing a special emphasis on youth involvement, with young adults participating in patriotic readings, musical performances and volunteering to greet attendees and distribute flags and programs.
“We want everyone to feel welcome,” Quinn said. “This ceremony belongs to the entire community, and it’s important that we create a space where people can come together to honor our fallen veterans in a respectful and meaningful way.”
In the event of active rain, the service will move to The Yard, 2002 Midway Road, Menomonie.
