Fort Atkinson Memorial Day 2025 – Honoring Those who Died in Service to our Country

“All clear!” is a symbolic and cherished phrase familiar to members of the United States Armed Services – past and present – signifying removal of enemy threat in times of military mobilization.

The absence of such threat is achieved by a nation’s fighting force – but not without the ultimate cost paid by men and women who “gave their lives in service to a cause greater than themselves,” as was stated by United States Army combat veteran Kyle Bente in his keynote address at the Memorial Day ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Atkinson on Monday, May 26, 2025.

The air was certainly clear on Monday, as many citizens of Fort Atkinson’s community turned out to honor the fallen and express gratitude on the day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America.

Events of the Day

The Memorial Day Committee of the American Legion Post 166, Fort Atkinson, organized Monday’s events, continuing the rich tradition of the Fort Atkinson community in honoring its members who currently serve in all military branches – Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force – as well as veterans who have served, and those of our community and nation who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.

Combined Veteran Organizations

Monday’s events began with a breakfast at the American Legion dugout, 201 South Water Street East, sponsored by the Paul Frank Florine Post 166 of the American Legion Auxiliary, with over 200 attendees. Breakfast was followed by a Marine Observance, and flowers strewn by Robin White, President, Unit 166 American Legion Auxiliary; Dee Dee Carothers of Post 1879 Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary; Karen Swader of Chapter 409 Vietnam Veterans of America; Mary Narkis of Daughters of the American Revolution; and Helen O’Neil, Gold Star Mothers. Navy veteran Roger Faultersak provided the traditional Eight Bells, which pays respect to deceased mariners and signifies that a sailor’s “watch” is over. Korynne Kutz read the poem from Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae written during World War One, “In Flanders Field.”

The annual Memorial Day parade then proceeded through downtown to the Evergreen Cemetery. Anita Freeman, Auxiliary Vice-President, served as Parade Marshal. The parade included the Fort Atkinson Honor Guard, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Fort Atkinson High School (FAHS) marching band, FAHS future enlistees and active-duty members, and local scouts. Both the breakfast and the parade “were well attended,” according to Freeman.

Observance at Evergreen Cemetery

Following the parade, a Memorial Day observance with a Joint Honor Guard was conducted at the Evergreen Cemetery. Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Thomas Freeman, American Legion Post 166 Commander; and Chaplain Richard Miles, VFW Post 1879, was commander of the Honor Guard.

Guest speaker for Monday’s observance was United States Army Combat Veteran Kyle Bente (see the full text of Veteran Bente’s remarks).

The ceremony included a reading of Logan’s Orders by 2025 Fort Atkinson High School Senior Class President Korynne Kutz, and the Gettysburg Address by 2026 Senior Class President Mackenna Farrell.

The War Monument was decorated by Steve Swader of Chapter 409 Vietnams Veterans of America; Archie Hafer of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1879; Tom Freeman of Post 166 American Legion; and Al Olsen of the Disabled American Veterans.

Buglers Alexis Bigelow and Oscar Garcia from Fort Atkinson High School performed echo taps followed by the Fort Atkinson High School Senior band playing the Star Spangled Banner.

Flowers and Flags

Flowers for the honor ceremonies were donated by Pick -N-Save of Fort Atkinson. Flags at veteran’s graves had been placed on May 18th by Boy Scout Troop 134 and Pack 137 of Fort Atkinson at both local cemeteries - Saint Joseph Cemetery, and the Evergreen Cemetery. Flags are scheduled to be removed at both cemeteries on June 22.

Photos: 1) American Legion Post 166  Color Guard and speakers at Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Atkinson Memorial Day, May 26, 2025. 2) Community members at Evergreen Cemetery honor the fallen. 3) Legion Dugout Kitchen Crew for Memorial Day 2025 breakfast.  L-R: Robin White, President, Legion Auxiliary Unit 166; Colleen Olson, Auxiliary member; Jason LaFleur, American Legion Post 166 member; and Anita Freeman, Auxiliary Vice President and Parade Marshall. 4) The War Casualty Monument at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Atkinson, with the names of those who died during the Black Hawk War of 1832, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War of 1898, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Conflict.  The monument was dedicated on Memorial Day of 1971.  Since then the Afghanistan War was added to the monument.  (Photo courtesy Evergreen Cemetery Association)