WDVA Announces Centennial Celebration of Camp Randall Arch as Part of the Year of the Veteran

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2012 

WDVA Announces Centennial Celebration of Camp Randall Arch as Part of the Year of the Veteran

MADISON – Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary Scocos today invited the public to attend an event celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the dedication of the Camp Randall Arch and Memorial Park on Saturday, June 30, 2012 as part of the
Year of the Veteran. Camp Randall was the initial training site for over 70,000 Wisconsin troops during the Civil War and also served as the stockade and hospital for 1,400 Confederate soldiers. 

As we commemorate 2012 as the Year of the Veteran and the second year of the Civil War Sesquicentennial, Camp Randall is a visible reminder of the sacrifices of 91,000 Wisconsin soldiers who served during the Civil War.  Over 12,000 Wisconsin soldiers gave
their lives in the defense of the nation.

Members of the Grand Army of the Republic Post 8, a recreated G.A.R. post will be in attendance and camping on the grounds Friday night, June 29. 

On Saturday, members of the 1st Brigade Band will perform from 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The official ceremony will begin at 11:00 AM.  Speakers include Secretary Scocos, Alan Hembel, G.A.R. Post 8, and Iron Brigade historian and former UPI Journalist Lance Herdegen.

For more information on this event, contact Jennifer Carlson of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum at 608.264.6086 or email jennifer.carlson@dva.state.wi.us. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is a free public educational activity of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and is located at 30 W. Mifflin St., across the street from the StateCapitol. For more information go to www.wisvetsmuseum.com.

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201 West Washington Avenue | Madison, Wisconsin 53707
1-800-WIS-VETS | WisVets@dva.wisconsin.gov | WisVets.com