Wausau Honors Veterans as Memorial Day Approaches

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) – This weekend, Wausau celebrates its annual Memorial Day parade, paying tribute to veterans who sacrificed their lives for the country. The event draws residents together to honor those who served, including a man whose identity has been lost to history.

For over 90 years, the story of this nameless veteran has remained a mystery. In 1930, he died by suicide, leaving no identifying information other than his service in World War I. In his last act, he wished to spare his family from embarrassment.

The local veterans group laid him to rest in Potter’s Field at Pine Grove Cemetery. Every year, groups like the Daughters of the American Revolution gather at the gravesite around Memorial Day to honor his memory and service. They have vowed to maintain a vigil over the site and remember him in the years ahead.

This Wednesday, a ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. in Potter’s Field, organized by the Daughters of the American Revolution and American Legion Post #10. The ceremony is open to the public. The cemetery is located at 1501 Grand Ave. in Wausau.

In a related observation, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, May 24, and Monday, May 28, in honor of emergency medical services (EMS) professionals and military personnel who lost their lives in duty. Gov. Evers emphasized the critical role EMS workers play in community safety.

“These service members selflessly sacrificed their lives for this country, and we share a duty to protect and defend all who have protected and defended us,” Gov. Evers stated.

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Circle K convenience stores are promoting discounted fuel prices to help travelers save money. Customers can receive up to 40 cents off per gallon on Thursday, May 25, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for all customers, and earlier for members of the Inner Circle loyalty program. This initiative aims to encourage safe travel as over 45 million Americans are expected to hit the road for the holiday weekend, marking a record increase from last year.