Memorial Day ceremony draws hundreds to veterans cemetery in King

KING (WLUK) - It's a day many Americans might call a somber holiday.

Memorial Day ceremonies across the country honored those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. armed forces.

"Memorial Day is a day unlike any other," said Andrew Whitman, director of the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Andrew Whitman opened the stage Monday morning for the annual ceremony at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, located across the street from the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King.

"We just want to remember and honor those who are buried here and across the country in our veterans cemeteries," he said.

"It's a really big day, and it's not just about kebabs, it's not just about free time. It's really about remembering and honoring those who have served and those who have passed away. We're really proud of that. We're proud to have the cemetery ready," Whitman said.

About 8,500 veterans and their families are interred in the cemetery, Whitman said. Volunteers placed flags at most of those memorials Friday night. Tom Mangert is chaplain of American Legion Post 161 in King.

"And in December, we laid 7,000 wreaths. And every veteran gets a wreath. We honor every veteran. But sometimes they're forgotten. And we don't want to do that," says Mangert.

After a 21-rifle salute and a lilting tap dance tune, the ceremony was completed. Whitman says a trip to the 60-acre cemetery is a must.

"It's just beautiful. Especially on a day like today when the wind is blowing. Just watching them flutter. It shows patriotism, for sure," he said.

The Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery is 136 years old and the first burial was made in 1888.