“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude.”
-H.S. Truman
Memorial Day is being recognized around the country today.
All members of the military who have died in service to the United States are being honored for their sacrifice. Memorial Day parades and events are planned in communities across Western Wisconsin. There will be no regular mail delivery and banks are closed. There will be no service today for Eau Claire Transit and La Crosse MTU.
The Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation invites the community to gather in remembrance and gratitude this Memorial Day at the River Prairie Veterans Park. The annual Memorial Day Ceremony will feature a solemn Legacy Stone Dedication, adding new, permanently engraved monuments to the tribute walk to honor local service members.
The event will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026, beginning at 2:00pm at the Chippewa Valley Veterans Park, located on Blazing Star Boulevard in River Prairie Park.
This year’s ceremony will feature traditional military honors, guest speakers, and the formal dedication of newly installed gray and red granite Legacy Stones. Each stone represents a deeply personal story of service, preserving the history of local individuals who stepped forward to protect America’s freedoms.
Event Highlights Include:
- The Legacy Stone Dedication: Recognition of local veterans with gray granite stones, alongside red granite stones dedicated to those missing or killed in action.
- A Walk of Remembrance: Attendees are encouraged to walk the Veterans Tribute Trail to view the 14 interactive tributes, sponsored benches, and monuments.
- The Coin Tradition: Visitors can participate in the historic military tradition of leaving coins on the Legacy Stones as a token of respect (a penny for a visit, a nickel for training together, a dime for serving together, and a quarter for being present when a soldier fell). All collected coins directly fund the maintenance and growth of the Veterans Park.
The ceremony is free and open to the public. Limited seating will be available and attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs.
For more information about the Memorial Day event, how to volunteer, or how to dedicate a Legacy Stone for a loved one in future dedications, please visit www.chippewavalleyveterans.org.
FOR FULL DETAILS ON THE EAU CLAIRE PARADE, CLICK HERE.
Americans grilling on this Memorial Day holiday will notice higher prices for many barbecue essentials.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index inflation data from April showed prices have jumped since last year for several popular cookout dishes. Ground beef prices have soared by over 14-percent, while the cost of steak is up 16-percent. U.S. cattle inventories have dropped to the lowest level in over 70 years as ranchers deal with the impacts of droughts and shrinking herds. Even the price of hot dogs is up nearly 11-percent.
Wisconsinites are being asked to remain patient today as travel ramps up again for the end of the Memorial Day weekend.
The state Department of Transportation says this is another busy day for roads and airports as thousands of people return home from the extended holiday period. Residents across the Badger State should expect traffic and allow for extra time on the road, as well as buckle up. This weekend includes the annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign and law enforcement officers will be looking for vehicles with occupants not wearing seatbelts.
Today you can honor fallen service members with a moment of silence, displaying the American Flag or doing the Murph Workout Challenge. Brie Tennis reports.
