MADISON, Wis. — For the first time in more than a year, a crowd came together to remember and honor those who gave their lives serving our country.
In an hour-long ceremony Monday morning, the Madison Veterans Council and Sons of Union Veterans hosted an event to recognize all those who lost their lives serving in the armed forces.
“We need to respect and honor our country,” said 99-year-old World War 2 Veteran Jake Christopherson.
For Commander of the Henry Harnden Camp 2 Wisconsin Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War John Becker, it was nice to see so many people gathered in one place for a common cause.
“It tells me how many likeminded Americans we do have,” Becker said. “We talk so much about divisions in society, but we all come together for this cause. It’s wonderful.”
The ceremony was marked by speeches, and songs performed by the VFW 1318 band, who were able to play for a crowd for the first time since the pandemic began.
Veterans and those whose lives were lost were honored during the ceremony as well.
Christopherson said Memorial Day is a day to recognize why we have our freedoms and give thanks to all who fight so the rest of the country can live their lives in peace.
“We should sit down and think about what’s gone by and how fortunate we are to live in this country,” he said.
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