Sheboygan honors fallen heroes with Memorial Day parade, ceremonies
U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Jon Doiron was the keynote speaker
SHEBOYGAN — Gunfire split the air and the sound of Taps drifted over the crowd as residents of Sheboygan paused for a few moments Monday to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Under bright sun, blue skies with a cool breeze, less than 250 residents and veterans gathered for the traditional half-hour ceremony at Fountain Park that paid tribute to the nation's war heroes. The program began with students from Lakeland University performing the National Anthem. Pastor John Putna of the Pentecostals of Sheboygan County provided the invocation and benediction. U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Jon Doiron was the keynote speaker.
“Memorial Day is a reminder that freedom is not free,” said Doiron, who served as the commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment. “The liberties we enjoy today are protected by the sacrifice of those who raised their right hand.” He is currently the Professor of Military Science in the Fox Valley SROTC Battalion.
After Doiron’s remarks, wreaths were placed at the replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Sheboygan Pops Concert Band played the Armed Forces Medley followed by members of the VFW Post 9156 that performed Volley and Taps.
VIDEO: Sheriff Cory Roeseler keynote speaker at Cascade Memorial Day Ceremony
Prior to the ceremony, several thousand lined the less than one-mile long parade route. Hmong veterans from the Special Guerrilla Unit marched in their 23rd Memorial Day Parade in Downtown Sheboygan. The parade in 2020 was cancelled due to COVID. In addition to marching bands from the city’s two high schools, the United States Coast Guard, Marine Corps League Sheboygan County Detachment, and Veterans for Peace participated.
In total, there were 30 units that made up the 24-minute long parade.
Sheboygan's Memorial Day Celebration is a collaboration between the City of Sheboygan, Lakeland University and the Sheboygan County Veterans Service Office. Kohler Credit Union sponsored the parade. According to Jeffrey Sachse of Lakeland University, volunteers from the university helped to organize this year’s parade and ceremony.
Elsewhere in Sheboygan County, parades were held in Kohler, Plymouth, Adell and Hangham. Sheboygan Falls American Legion Post 149 held a program at the Berkshire Sheboygan Falls Senior Apartments while Greenlawn Memorial Park hosted a brief ceremony on their grounds. Retired Sheboygan County Sheriff Cory Roeseler was the keynote speaker at the Cascade Memorial Day Ceremony and Brat Fry hosted by the American Legion Post 386.
Day of Remembrance
In Sheboygan, the true meaning of Memorial Day seems lost and viewed only as summer's first three-day weekend. Notably absent from Downtown Sheboygan streets this weekend were American flags. Traditionally, workers from the City of Sheboygan would install flags on city light poles that line 8th Street from Michigan Avenue to South Plaza 8. It is unknown why the city decided not to continue the tradition.
The beginning of Monday’s ceremony at Fountain Park was briefly disrupted by a boombox and impromptu performance by Street Elite Dance Academy. Along with their blaring music, young children playing and yelling inside the park distracted event attendees. At times, the children’s screams made it difficult to hear the keynote speaker. A couple sat in the park with a homemade “Defend Ukraine” sign, leaving some in the crowd disgusted with their lack of respect.
In 2008, the Memorial Day parade was nearly cancelled due to a lack of interested participants. Mayor Juan Perez immediately intervened and led a group to organize the parade and ceremony at Fountain Park. Due to his efforts, there was an impressive turnout that year and a renewed interest in the events.
In 2015, the parade was at-risk of being cancelled again when organizer Jerry Wenninger retired. Mayor Mike Vandersteen, just like Mayor Perez, stepped up. Wenninger, who was 83 when he retired, had been involved in organizing the parade since 2008. Under Mayor Vandersteen's leadership, the Kohler Credit Union took over as the organizer of the parade and has been the sponsor ever since.
The villages of Howards Grove, Oostburg and Greenbush held events in years past but did not have a program this year.
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