Civil War era cannon blast honors soldiers buried at Calvary Cemetery and Mausoleum

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Every cannon blast at the Calvary Cemetery and Mausoleum serves as a somber reminder of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. At a Memorial Day ceremony, hundreds of people honored their sacrifices with an outdoor mass and Civil War era music.

“I think it’s the best way we can help represent what they did,” said Erik Theissen, a Civil War reenactor with Cushing’s Battery. “We really love to get the nitty gritty. What was the day in the life of the man in this time?”

The Calvary Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 300 Civil War veterans – that includes two Medal of Honor recipients.

“Just steeped in history from the civil war period,” said Stephen Michaels with Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

Michaels says events like this help keep fallen soldiers' memories alive.

“I think it's very important to remember our veterans and the sacrifices that they made and especially the sacrifices, the ultimate sacrifice,” said Michaels.

Theissen encourages others to do the same.

“Everybody should get out and kind of, at least, look at the graves,” said Theissen.

Theissen says it’s their sacrifices that keep this nation free.

“I think it’s important all year round,” said Theissen.