Memorial Day is far more than a long weekend. It is our nation’s solemn pause—a day set apart to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States.
At Concordia University Wisconsin, we mark this day with gratitude, reverence and a renewed commitment to support the families and communities that carry on their loved ones’ legacy.
What Memorial Day asks of us
Memorial Day is not a celebration of war or victory; it is a remembrance of sacrifice. It invites each of us—students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends—to reflect on the cost of the freedoms we enjoy. That reflection can take many forms: visiting a memorial, placing a flag on a headstone, sharing a fallen service member’s story with a friend, or simply observing a quiet moment of prayer or reflection.
Remembering by name
At CUW, remembrance is personal. We remember heroes across generations—from the fields of Gettysburg and the beaches of Normandy, to the mountains of Afghanistan. We also remember Private Howard J. Bogenschild of the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, who was killed in action in Korea on Nov. 5, 1950. In his honor, the Bogenschild family established an endowed fund that helped create the Howard J. Bogenschild Veteran and Military Affiliated Family Member Resource Center at the heart of our campus. This space exists so our military-connected students have a place to belong, find community, and receive the practical support they need to thrive.
How we honor the fallen at CUW compels action. Our Veteran Services team works year-round to:
- Support student veterans and military-affiliated learners through benefits navigation, academic coaching and career readiness.
- Foster community through our American Legion Post 1881 and our partner programs.
- Connect students with financial support, including the Bogenschild Legacy Grant and other scholarships for those demonstrating financial need.
- Equip faculty and staff to better serve military-connected students in the classroom and beyond.
Ways you can observe Memorial Day
- Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time. Take a moment to pause, wherever you are, in honor of the fallen.
- Visit a local memorial or cemetery. If you’re able, volunteer with an organization that places flags and maintains veterans’ graves.
- Learn and share a story. If your family or community has a connection to a fallen service member, say their name and share their life and service with others.
- Fly the U.S. flag with proper etiquette. On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff until noon, then raised briskly to full-staff.
- Extend care to the living. Reach out to Gold Star families and battle buddies. Even a simple message of remembrance matters.
A word to our military-connected students
To our student veterans, service members, spouses and dependents: Your perseverance honors those who served before you. When you ask for help, lean on your community, and persist toward graduation, you carry forward a legacy of service in a distinctly Concordia way—through faith, learning and compassionate leadership.
A promise we renew
As a Military Friendly institution, CUW will continue to strengthen our support networks, expand access to resources, and champion the success of our military-connected students. We will remember the fallen, not only with words on a single day, but with our deeds throughout the year.
On this Memorial Day, may our remembrance honor their sacrifice. May God grant comfort to the grieving families, and may He guide us to live lives of purpose, gratitude, and service.
Written by Col. Keith Casey, USA (RET.), MA, MSS, director of Veteran Services, Concordia University Wisconsin
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.