I extend a thank you to the organizers of the Memorial Day programs in Sheboygan. We are privileged to have a robust celebration on Memorial Day as we pause to remember and honor America’s fallen service members. Since the days of the Civil War, humble Americans have gathered together on Memorial Day to remember and pay tribute to all who have fought and selflessly surrendered the precious gift of life, so that others could live free.
The employees of the Kohler Credit Union stepped forward several years ago to keep the Sheboygan Memorial Day Parade and Program at Fountain Park alive and have continued to present a respectful and proper event. Each year they have invited fine guest speakers to remind us of the great debt we owe to the courageous men and women who have selflessly given their all to defend and protect our way of life.
They have also added a brat fry fundraiser and this year’s funds raised will support the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight which works to honor all veterans by flying WWII, Korean, and Vietnam War veterans, as well as terminally ill veterans from other conflicts, to Washington DC to visit their memorials. The efforts of the Kohler Credit Union employees have also been supported by several sponsors: Sargento, The Sign Shop of Sheboygan, Old Wisconsin, Blue Harbor Resort, Johnston’s Bakery, and Lakeside Pepsi.
The Lao, Hmong, and American Veterans Memorial Committee have for the last 11 years, held a Memorial Day Program at the Memorial in Deland Park. This memorial serves as a reminder and recognition of the Lao and Hmong contributions during the secret war and why the Lao and Hmong resettled in Sheboygan and other cities in the USA. It teaches everyone about the courage and the sacrifice of the people whose names are engraved on the black granite panels of the monument. The mosaics tell the story of daily life before and after the secret war of the Lao, Hmong, and Americans who suffered and died, the culture and the psychological emotions of the younger generations born in Thailand and in the US, and the different groups in Hmong society.
The program at the Lao, Hmong, and American Veterans Memorial included a flyover at noon of a T-28 aircraft similar to the planes flown by Hmong pilots during the secret war in Laos. There also was a pigeon release ceremony and traditional Hmong dances performed. New names to be acknowledged for their service during the war were unveiled. The individuals recognized were Colonel Yong Chue Yang and Nai Mor Lyblong Yong Seng.
I appreciate the efforts of both of these groups and hope that our residents all had a great Memorial Day that allowed them to reflect on the absolute selflessness of the members of our nation’s military who paid the price needed to ensure our way of life endures. God bless all of our departed heroes, their families, our men and women in uniform all over the world!