Freedom Memorial

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

Unveiled on Memorial Day in 2008, the most recent monument on the Washington County Veterans' Plaza was spearheaded by the West Bend American Legion Post 36. It is meant to commemorate United States armed service members from Washington County who have died in service to their country since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.

Images

Freedom Memorial in 2015.

Placement of the Freedom Memorial in 2008.

Freedom Memorial dedication on Memorial Day 2008.

Crowd on Poplar St. during the Freedom Memorial dedication on Memorial Day 2008.

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

Work began on the Freedom Memorial in 2006. Designed to have space for more names at years pass, the centerpiece of the memorial is a bronze battlefield cross on which the fallens' dog tags are hung. The the four families who's son's names were initially inscribed were closely involved with the design of the memorial. As part of the project major landscaping of the area took place. Work included tree removal, enlarging the plaza and installing concrete, increasing ADA access, adding stone benches, new plantings and in ground accent lighting.

The original estimates for the cost of the monument were $30,000 to $35,000. This estimate rose to around $150,000 once landscaping plans were included. The majority of funds for the project were from corporate and private donors, however the Washington County Board of Supervisors voted to contribute $15,000 to the project. Final costs were around $150,000 and included funds for future care of the Veterans' Plaza as a whole.

Sources

Mazur, Zak. "Veterans Memorial Planned." West Bend Daily News (West Bend, WI) January 4th 2007.

Rank, Dave . "County Shows Support for New Monument." West Bend Daily News (West Bend, WI) February 2nd 2007.

Maersch, Mitch. "Supreme Sacrifice, Ultimate Honor." West Bend Daily News (West Bend, WI) May 27th 2008.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

John Jagodzinski. Copyright owned by Washington County Historical Society.

Washington County Historical Society Staff