Veterans Memorial Walk

Pritchard Park Racine, WI

Racine Living Memorials

Racine County Veterans Support-Dedications

Racine area residents strongly support America’s Veterans through various local Veterans and Civic organizations.  There are various Local groups (American Legion, VFW, AMVETS, Marine Corps League, etc) the Veterans Outreach program, Racine Veterans Center & Legacy Museum and the County Veterans Service Office, providing a wide range of services and tributes.

Circa 1947 – 1950

Fourth of July Parade Veterans – Float Armadas

Racine’s 4th of July, ranked one of the Top Ten in the Country by USA today is representative of the salute to Veterans with numerous “Living Memorial Floats”. The Marine Corps League Detachment #346 introduced the live statue format in 1946 with the Iwo Jima Memorial Float. Live MCL members are bronzed to reproduce and hold the stance of the flag-raisers, replicating the famous statue. 2021 will be the 75th Anniversary of the float.

Circa 2014 – 2019

War Nurses

In order to depict a true representation of a bronze monument statue, extensive preparation of proper era uniforms, bronzing the clothes and applications of bronzing make-up to each individual is a time consuming effort.

Float Riders remain frozen in their statue positions for up to two hours, with just a few breaks, during the entire 4th and Memorial Day parade routes. Dedication to detail is imperative in honoring the memory of these brave Veterans.

 

Vietnam

Vietnam

Spirit of 76

Spirit of 76

Boys of 76

Boys of 76

Bronze & Make-up

Bronze & Make-up

Retro Uniforms

Retro Uniforms

Bronzed Uniform & Gear

Bronzed Uniform & Gear

War Nurses

War Nurses

MCL Detachment #346 - Iwo Float Since 1946

MCL Detachment #346 – Iwo Float Since 1946

Monument Laser Etched Design

Iwo Jima Memorial Midwest Project, Inc.

Press Release

July 27, 2020 ----Racine, WI

The Iwo Jima Memorial Midwest Project has temporarily put the promotion of the Memorial Statue fundraising on hold until this coming Fall. The Project will still be located at Pritchard Park in Racine, WI. with some modifications.                                                                      

The Project was launched on the 23rd of February, the 75th Anniversary of the flag-raising. “Within the next ten days the Covid pandemic hit. We realized that people would be suffering loss of income, jobs and businesses. Everyone’s priorities have shifted. Potential Corporate sponsors advised us that donation commitments would be delayed.” said John Capriotti, Project Director.

The Project will re-launch in late October, 2020 with a new unique fundraising offer. “Donors can opt to receive a free gift-with-donation. Based on the amount donated, they can receive free IJMM embroidered Jackets, Polo's, Sweatshirts, Collector Posters, Mugs, T-Shirts and other unique items being added soon.”  said Capriotti. Special Corporate Donation packages and Commemorative Bricks will be available.

IJMM is revising the size, design and expense of the Iwo Jima/WW2 Monument and devising phases to add additional smaller monuments for Korea/Vietnam, and Iraq/Afghanistan. Instead of a single statue, each monument will be comprised of a combination of bronze statues and large Laser-Etched granite panels featuring renowned Combat Artist‘s work of the various conflicts. Designs are in process for the first phase Iwo Jima/WW2 combined memorial.

The objective of providing a memorable, attractive and educational monument will still be reached by the collective group of three  Memorials creating a “Veterans Walk” at Pritchard Park. Each will be built through separate fundraising efforts, one after another.

“During our revision stage the IJMM team is urging potential donors to shift contributions to Veteran aide and support groups actively responding to the needs and services of veterans’ and their families during this pandemic; Notable organizations are the Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin, and the Veterans Center-Legacy Museum in Racine” said Nicholas Fasulo a Project Official.

Extending the program to include other Memorials, over time, signifies Racine County resident’s commitment to preserve and honor all their Military Veterans.  Many of whom paid the ultimate price to protect our freedoms.