"New day for the War Memorial Center:" Three major gifts help with renovations, enhancements

MILWAUKEE (WITI) – Phase One of the "Operation Renew Fundraising Campaign" is now complete thanks to three major gifts to the War Memorial Center.

A total of $800,000 was raised in 2014 for renovations and enhancements to the Veteran’s Courtyard. The signature feature will be a newly installed granite “Ring of Honor” which will highlight all conflicts since WWI that have included a call to duty by Wisconsin’s servicemen and women.

The major contributors to this effort are The Bradley Foundation, the Milwaukee Rotary Club and Albert Nicholas. In addition $100,000 was raised as a result of numerous other contributions.

“These gifts represent a new day for the War Memorial Center,” said Dave Drent, WMC Executive Director. “Work is already underway on Veteran’s Courtyard and the new features and enhancements to the eternal flame will truly make this a place of reverence for the sacrifices of our veterans. We are excited to debut the new courtyard during our Memorial Day ceremony in 2015. We are grateful to all our supporters who recognize the value of preserving and enhancing a place that honors all veterans."

The Veteran’s Courtyard will also be a key source of material for the youth educational program being planned by the War Memorial.

"The rich history of the monuments, what they represent, the context of the conflict or war, and using veterans stories as living examples of the concepts being taught, will be invaluable” said Drent.

The Operation Renew Campaign will continue its fundraising efforts to support the following other priorities: upgrades to the War Memorial building, expanded services and programs for veterans and establish a youth education program.

The campaign will enable the War Memorial Center to expand its support of more than 45 veterans organizations that co-sponsor programs and events at WMC. Am Vets, Dry Hootch, American Legion of Wisconsin and the USO all have offices at the WMC provided at a discounted price. Their meeting, event and program space is free of charge.

More than 200 meetings were held at the WMC by veterans organizations in 2013/2014.

The use of the War Memorial is always free of charge to these veterans groups.

Donations to Operation Renew will result in new efforts to bring together veterans organizations to fill gaps in programs and services. Funding will also support new educational outreach to students emphasizing patriotism and service. Other programs in development at WMC include: a community lecture series, outreach activities and
interactive cell phone tours.

CLICK HERE to view project renderings for Operation Renew and more project details.

The public can also support the work of the War Memorial Center, by joining the new Friends of the War Memorial program. Levels of support range from $50-$500.