Dane County Executive Falk declares Feb. 3 as Madison Veterans Firing Squad Day

February 02, 2007
Joanne Haas, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606 Commander Eugene Grunewald, of the Madison Veterans Firing Squad, 608-241-0006.

A 50-year-old all-volunteer veterans group gets its day of recognition this weekend under a proclamation signed by Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk. Known as the Madison Veterans Firing Squad, the group performed ceremonies at 121 Dane County veteran funerals last year and 10 so far in this new year. “The impact of the service this group provides families and friends at such difficult times is immeasurable and priceless,” said Falk, who declared February 3 as Madison Veterans Firing Squad Day in Dane County. “And they serve only to honor their fellow veterans and help those left behind.” The group began in 1957 and became formally organized with eight members in 1970 at the VFW Post 1318. The squad today consists of 13 members under the leadership of Commander Eugene (Gene) Grunewald and Squad Captain William (Bill) Kopplin. “The sincerity and appreciation expressed by many of the families when I meet with them in our office is clearly heartfelt,” Michael R. Jackson, Dane County Veteran Service Officer, said of the response to the squad’s gravesite ceremonies. ###