Community Corner

Observe Memorial Day in Wauwatosa

Monday, May 27 is the time to honor our patriots and welcome the summer.

Memorial Day is a time to commemorate those who have fallen in service to the United States.

The official celebration of these heroes began in the 1860s after the Civil War, when wreaths were laid on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers. The practice was fully recognized throughout the existing states by 1890.

So, what is the best way to honor the holiday?

Find out what's happening in Wauwatosawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Wauwatosa's Memorial Day Ceremony kicks off at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 27, and will last approximately one hour. It will be held in the auditorium at Longfellow Middle School, 7600 W. North Ave.

The theme of the 2013 Wauwatosa Memorial Day Ceremony is “United We Stand.”

Find out what's happening in Wauwatosawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Wauwatosa Community Band will perform during this year’s Memorial Ceremony and Eugene G. Schulz, a WWII combat veteran and author of “The Ghost in General Patton’s Third Army," will be the guest speaker during the event. 

Schulz fought with Gen. George Patton's army and was an eyewitness to the first Nazi concentration camp that was discovered in Germany by American troops, the horrors of which are told in his emotional story in this book.

Focus on Civil War's fallen 

As part of another nearby Memorial Day event on Monday, Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki will not only lead an outdoor Mass on Memorial Day at Calvary Cemetery but also will personally fire a salute from a Civil War cannon.

Hosted by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and Auxiliary, the event begins with Memorial Day Mass at 10 a.m. Monday at the cemetery at 5503 Blue Mound Rd., followed by the patriotic ceremony, and will also feature rifle and musket salutes, the playing of "Taps" and decoration of veterans’ graves.

For those who prefer something traditional to honor the fallen, place wreaths or flowers at war memorials or grave sites. Wauwatosa residents can purchase wreaths or flowers at Bagin's Flowers & Gifts, Rose's Flower Shop or The Flower Lady to name a few. 

You can also grab your folding chair and flag and attend a parade. Milwaukee will honor veterans with its annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday.

The parade, in its 148th year, begins at 2 p.m., starting at North 4th Street and West Wisconsin Avenue, where it will proceed east on Wisconsin toward the War Memorial Center and end at Veterans Park.

The parade will include marching units, bands, military vehicles and VIP dignitaries.

As usual, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the War memorial Center immediately following the parade, at about 3:30 p.m.

You can also host a barbecue, attend a local fair or festival, or even partake in a little Memorial Day shopping and take advantage of widespread and well-advertised sales. 

Swimming is a viable option as well, with local options like the Tosa Pool at Hoyt Park. Dig out your swim gear and a good book and head over for a dip. Pack plenty of snacks and have a picnic.

And remember, should you decide to hang a flag on Memorial Day, it should never touch the ground and it should be flown at half-mast until noon.

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