Wisconsin InfoLink is an almanac of Wisconsin facts and resources compiled by Ron Larson. Each week on the WisconsinWatch blog, Larson introduces us to one of these gems.

Next Monday, people around Wisconsin and the country will be celebrating Memorial Day with parades, cookouts, picnics and a day off from work. The primary significance of the day, honoring those who sacrificed so much for their country, is often times overshadowed by the fun of the day.

Featured links: Wisconsin InfoLink: Military

Wisconsin has had its share of soldiers who have died for our country. More than 26,000 have been killed in wars since the Civil War. Under Wisconsin InfoLink’s Military tab, Wisconsin Soldiers Killed in U.S. Wars has a list of wars since the Civil War with the total number of Wisconsin casualties.

As you will see, the Civil War was the deadliest for Wisconsin soldiers, followed by World War II, World War I and Vietnam.

The list continues to grow as Wisconsin’s latest casualty, Lt. Col. Paul R. Bartz of Waterloo, was killed in Afghanistan on May 18, 2010.

Also under InfoLink’s Military tab is an excellent website about Wisconsin’s military history, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum.

Choose the Resources link from the left side of the Veterans Museum home page. Here you will find links and information covering Wisconsin soldiers and their involvement in conflicts from the Civil War to the Persian Gulf War. It’s a tremendous resource, and a good site to visit and contemplate this Memorial Day.

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