New monument at veteran’s cemetery

KING – A battlefield cross monument was unveiled at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King on May 13. When the new flag display was constructed at the front of the cemetery that runs parallel along County Trunk QQ, the old flag display area was left behind. It is located a little further back and is composed of a sidewalk that flows into a shelter and going the other way, it opens up into a cement pad that is flanked with two outdoor lights.
Andrew Whitman, the cemetery director, was prudent enough to leave it intact, thinking that there could be a future use for the space. That space is now home to a bronze sculpture made by artist Richard Young. This monument is a partnership with the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, American Legion Post 161 and VFW Post 1037.
At the dedication ceremony, Whitman explained the history and symbolism of the monument: the bayonet of the battle rifle is stabbed into the earth to mark the spot of a fallen soldier and to also mourn his passing. The boots below represent the final march of the soldier, the helmet atop of the rifle stock symbolizes the restful spirit after the last battle and the draped dog tags are to insure the soldier is not forgotten. This tradition dates back to the Civil War.
The ceremony concluded with a rifle salute, the bugling of “Taps,” and a folding and placement of the American flag.

Memorial Day services
At the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, the Flags-In day is on Friday, May 22 at 5 p.m. Volunteers are to meet at the pavilion before placing flags at 5 p.m. The Memorial Day program on Monday, May 25 will begin at 10 a.m.