Sheboygan’s Memorial Day celebration is a collaboration between the City of Sheboygan, Launch: Lakeland University Student-Run Businesses, and the Sheboygan County Veterans Service Office. Kohler Credit Union is sponsoring the parade. It is set for Monday, May 27, 2024, in downtown Sheboygan starting at 9:00 am. A ceremony to honor United States veterans and active-duty personnel will follow at Fountain Park. There will be a brat fry at Fountain Park after the parade and ceremony.
The mission of Lakeland’s Launch venture is to transform Lakeland students into the next generation of innovative leaders by providing paid experiential and entrepreneurial learning opportunities that prepare students for diverse careers in a multi-faceted world. Lakeland students are empowered to create, develop, manage and lead business ventures. These experiences are part of a campus-wide initiative that instills an entrepreneurial mindset that is applicable across all majors.
Questions about Sheboygan’s Memorial Day celebration should be emailed to Jeffrey Sachse at Sachsej1@lakeland.edu.
Pre-parade:
- 8:45 a.m. Join Marine Corps Recruiting Station Milwaukee at the Sheboygan Memorial Day Parade! During the parade, young men and women aspiring to join the Marine Corps, will showcase their commitment with a motivation run!
Ceremony info:
- Begins immediately after the parade at Fountain Park
- Tributes to veterans and active-duty men and women
- Speaker: BMC Roberto D. Bobonis (click for bio)
Brat Fry info:
- Begins immediately after the parade at Fountain Park (1010 N. 8th St)
- 100% of proceeds will go to Military and Youth Foundation and Marine Corps League
Volunteer Information:
- Post-parade program
- Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tasks Set-up stage: chairs, flags, wreath area, hand out programs, etc.
Number of Volunteers: 4 - Parade division marshal & lineup assistance
Time 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Tasks Assist parade participants find line-up location, be sure all participants are in proper order, answer general questions, present flowers to veterans, etc.
Number of Volunteers: 6
Lao, Hmong, and American Veterans 18th Annual Memorial Celebration
Following the 9a.m. Sheboygan Memorial Day parade on May 27, the public is invited to Deland Park to attend the celebration at the Lao, Hmong and American Veterans Memorial (LHAVM). The ceremony begins at 11:30a.m. The event will include remarks by LHAVM chairman Xia Vue Yang and Sheboygan Mayor Ryan Sorenson. The memorial celebrates the camaraderie between the Hmong and Lao warriors during the era of the Secret War in Laos, and their American counterparts, namely the US Special Forces and Air America crews. A T-28 flyover by pilot Paul Walter showcases the plane flown by Hmong pilots.
The keynote speaker Foung Hawj, Minnesota State Senator representing District 67. Senator Hawj’s journey from Laos to the United States as a refugee from the Vietnam War is a testament to resilience and determination. His inspiring story underscores the importance of honoring the sacrifices of our veterans and celebrating the cultural heritage of our community. His father was a military diplomat overseeing air deliveries of humanitarian cargo in Laos during the war. Six panels will be dedicated to honor the Hmong Special Guerrilla Unit Veterans and Civilian officials who served in the United States Secret War in Laos from 1961 to 1975. The individuals to be commemorated include:
- Major Wa Cha Richard Kue
- 1st Lt Vang Lee
- Lt. Colonel Za Blong Thao
- Captain Chaying Lee
- Tasseng Kayang Lor Kiatoukaysy
- Commissioner Lor Ger Kiatoukaysy
Following the event, attendees are invited to attend the SGU luncheon at Deland Park, and all are invited.
Questions about Sheboygan’s Lao, Hmong, and American Veterans 17th Annual Memorial Day celebration should be emailed to Xia Vue Yang at Xiavueyang1@gmail.com.
►Lao, Hmong and American Veterans 18th Annual Memorial poster
Parade info:
- The parade route starts at 7th Street & Center Avenue, goes north on 7th Street to Michigan Avenue, goes west on Michigan to 9th Street, goes south on 9th Street, and ends at Fountain Park.
- The parade starts at 9:00 am.
Ceremony info:
- Dedication/Memorial Celebration begins at 11:30 am.
Location: Deland Park (Broughton Drive) - Introduction of Guest of Honor and welcome remarks from Mayor Ryan Sorenson
- Keynote Speaker: Minnesota State Senator Foung Hawj, representing District 67.
- T-28 Airplane Fly-over by pilot Paul Walter and crew
- Program will be followed by a pigeon release ceremony, presented by the Sheboygan Pigeon Flying Club
- SGU Veterans Lunch- All are invited