How FDL Honors Those Who Served
Memorial Day weekend is one of the unofficial kickoffs to summer in Wisconsin — and Fond du Lac does it right. But before the cookouts and the lake days, it’s worth taking a moment to remember what the day is actually about: honoring the men and women who gave everything for this country.
Here’s how to spend Memorial Day weekend in Fond du Lac in a way that’s meaningful, fun, and fully local.
1. March in the Parade or Line the Streets
The Memorial Day parade in Fond du Lac is hosted by the American Legion Trier-Puddy Post 75 and runs from the corner of Rees and Main Streets south down Main Street to Veterans Park — one of those traditions that reminds you why community matters. Whether you’re marching, watching from the sidewalk, or bringing the kids to see it for the first time, show up. It’s worth it.
Date: Monday, May 25, 2026
Parade Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Start Location: Fives/Giddings & Lewis parking lot (staging from 8:45 a.m. to 9:55 a.m.)
Route: South on Main Street from Rees Street to 2nd Street
Ceremony: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM at Veterans Park
2. Attend the Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Park
Right after the parade, the Memorial Day Ceremony takes place at Veterans Park. It’s a genuine moment of community reflection — the kind of thing that puts the whole weekend in perspective. If you’ve never been, this is the year to go.
Date: Monday, May 25, 2026.
Parade Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Veterans Park, 190 S Main St, Fond du Lac, WI 54935
3. Support the Veterans Park Renovation
Speaking of Veterans Park — right now, our community is in the middle of something meaningful. Fond du Lac County Veterans Services is working to raise funds to completely renovate Veterans Park into a landmark worthy of the people it honors, with a memorial wall, improved event space, ADA-compliant design, and more.
One of the most personal ways to contribute is through an Honor Tile — an engraved brick that will be permanently placed in the new park as a tribute to a veteran, active duty member, or National Guard or Reserve member in your life.
Donations can also be made through the Fond du Lac Area Foundation. This is a community project in the truest sense, and Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to be part of it.
P.S. Fondy Famous is not affiliated with the Fond du Lac Area Foundation in any way.
4. Give to Local Veterans Organizations
If you’re looking for a way to give that stays right here in Fond du Lac, there are a couple of great options:
Fond du Lac County Veterans Services runs two programs worth knowing about — an Emergency Assistance Fund for local veterans facing unexpected financial hardship, and a Veteran Transportation Program that provides free rides to VA medical appointments. Every dollar donated to these programs stays in Fond du Lac County.
Salute the Troops is another local organization doing meaningful work supporting veterans across the area. Worth a look if you want to find additional ways to get involved.
5. Get Out on Lake Winnebago
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of lake season, and Lake Winnebago in late May is something special. Whether you’re on a boat, fishing from shore, or just taking in the view from Lakeside Park — get out there. Fond du Lac earned this.
6. Fire Up the Grill with Local Flavor
A Memorial Day cookout is basically a requirement. Stock up local — support a Fond du Lac area farmer, butcher, or market and feed your people well.
We love meat from May Hill Farm! You can almost find us at least a couple times a month at Eden Meat Market.
7. Say Thank You
If you know a veteran — a neighbor, a family member, someone at your church or at the hardware store — just say something. Two words. It costs nothing and it means more than most people realize.
From all of us at Fondy Famous — thank you to every person who served. Enjoy the weekend, Fond du Lac! 💚
