Memorial Day, the time we honor and mourn the US military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, is Monday, May 27.
Here’s how to commemorate the holiday locally:
Cambridge
Memorial Day Parade and Picnic | 6:30 a.m. -11 a.m. | Village Veterans Park, 100 E. Main St. | Starting with a community breakfast (veterans eat free), the festivities include live music by The Wild Heathens and a 10:30 a.m. parade.
Cross Plains
Cross Plains Memorial Day Chicken BBQ | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | American Legion Park, 2217 American Legion Dr. | Remington’s Tavern kicks off the event with a bloody mary, mimosa, and lemonade bar. The parade begins at 11 a.m. with an American Legion-hosted BBQ presentation and dinner after.
DeForest
Memorial Day Ceremony | 11:45 a.m. | Veterans Memorial Park, 2090 N. Main St. | The ceremony pays tribute to lives lost, paying special attention to those Missing in Action and Prisoners of War.
Madison
Solemn Pride Memorial Day | 9:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Forest Hill Cemetery, 1 Speedway Rd. | A VFW Band Concert begins the tribute at 9:15 with patriotic tunes, followed by a 10 a.m. ceremony.
McFarland
McFarland Memorial Day Parade | 12 p.m.-2 p.m. | American Legion Post 534, 4911 Burma Rd. | The parade begins at Christ the King Catholic Church (5306 Main St.), proceeding down Main Street to the American Legion Post. There will be brats, hot dogs, and more, with services at the hall starting at 1 p.m.
Middleton
Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony | 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lakeview Park, 6300 Mendota Ave. | Hosted by VFW Post 8216, the solemn event will give attendees a moment to reflect on sacrifice.
Monona
Monona Memorial Day Parade | 10 a.m.-11 a.m. | The annual parade, honoring all veterans and those currently serving, begins at Monona Grove High School and finishes at Sennett Middle School.
Madison’s VFW Post 1318 honors local veterans during a Memorial Day ceremony. | Photo via VFW Post 1318
Beyond Memorial Day, there are several VFWs in the area that often host public community events:
VFW Post 1318, 2740 Ski Ln., Madison
Regular events include trivia nights, fish fries, karaoke, and paint nights.
VFW Post 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison
The swing band, Marcy and the Highlights Dance Band takes the stage on Friday, May 17 from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.
VFW Post 8216, 6710 Century Ave., Middleton
The organization has a plethora of events, including lectures and flag displays.
VFW Post 8483, 5737 County Hwy. C V #6169, Madison
Stop by for a brat fry and live music on Sunday, May 26 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.