La Crosse Vietnam War Veterans Memorial receives $30,000 donation from Tavern League
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Most Americans believe in giving thanks and honoring those who are or have served this country.
La Crosse’s Vietnam War Veterans Memorial is just one example of remembering those who lost their lives in battle.
Work on the memorial in Veterans Freedom Park on the city’s North Side is underway. In just a few short months, a wall dedicated to nearly 1,200 Vietnam War veterans from all across Wisconsin will be built.
The idea that is nearly six years in the making.
“Actually on Memorial Day,” memorial project organizer Jordan Briskey said.
Fitting for what this memorial stands for.
“Today, it’s kind of like a welcoming home project for them,” Briskey said. “And also thanking them for their service.”
Last spring, the memorial had its groundbreaking.
Briskey says community donations are making this memorial possible.
“We’re getting close,” Briskey said.
Now, thanks in part to the La Crosse County Tavern League stepping up.
Tim Groth, president of the league’s foundation, said the league ran some raffles and a 21-gun salute fundraiser.
“And this was the amount of money we made after that,” Groth said.
And this is no small contribution.
The Tavern League is donating more than $30,000 to the memorial wall, which will be filled with the names of Wisconsin Vietnam War veterans killed in action.
“We feel very proud of our veterans, and we figured this would be a good way to help,” Groth said. “Because everybody knows all the bar owners, when everybody meets, this is what they talk about.”
“I think everyone has that willing(ness) to give to our veterans,” Briskey said. “And that’s very humbling.”
The dedication for the $200,000 memorial is expected to take place in June.
If you would like to donate to the project, more information can be found here.
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