Wittenberg Legion memorial wall dedicated

American Legion Post 502 in Wittenberg dedicated its memorial wall Sept. 14 with more than 200 people present to check out the big addition to the village’s Washington Park.

Three slabs of marble boast the names of hundreds of people who fought and died defending freedom in World War I and every war after that up to the present day. However, the wall isn’t quite done as two more slabs are on order and will be added next spring.

Besides the marble walls, the area also boasts two eagle sculptures that look like they’re watching the hallowed area where residents can come to see their loved ones’ names and remember what they did to ensure that they can live free today.

All told, the wall pieces and the eagle sculptures cost the Legion $85,000, with contributions of $20,000 each from the Wittenberg Village Board and Wittenberg Town Board, as well as a $25,000 donation from an anonymous donor. Also, each veteran’s family had to pay for their individual plaques, and so many expressed interest that the three original walls were not enough to bear the names.

The memorial has been a project 10 years in the making for the Legion, and no one was happier to see the walls go up than Post 502’s adjutant, Steve Passehl.

“I joined the American Legion 17 years ago, and the main reason was to get a wall like this that honors our veterans,” Passehl said. “They deserve to be recognized, and I’m so happy to see it come to fruition.”

Passehl noted that Schneider Monument in Shawano helped the Legion to get the stones all the way from Greece. He said that the stones are similar to the ones memorializing members of the military in Washington, D.C. He pointed out that the two additional slabs on order are due to the heavy participation by communities in western Shawano County and beyond.

“There’s plenty of room for your family members,” Passehl said to thunderous applause.

The ceremony also included a flag ceremony, patriotic songs performed by Brianna Schmidt and a picnic lunch under the park shelter.

Work on the project began in earnest in 2023, according to Passehl.

“It makes me so proud,” he said. “It’s actually a lot of work to do this project, and I’m glad that we got most of it done.”

Passehl added that the two additional stones won’t arrive until next year, because they can only be installed when frost isn’t in the ground.

Dale Fandry, Post 502’s commander, was pleased with the turnout, and he believes it shows the support the community has for those who serve in the military.

“I think it’s an honor that we pay tribute to our veterans,” Fandry said. “There’s a minimum amount of people in the service that are protecting most people in this country, and they serve for honor, courage and democracy. That’s what we dedicate this wall for.”

lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com