Veterans Memorial Walk

Pritchard Park Racine, WI

Project Objective

The objective of the Memorials is to perpetuate preserve and honor the significance of the sacrifices made by thousands of Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors, that left the comfort of their lives to travel halfway across the world to jungles, forests, frigid mountains, oceans and deserts to fight the enemies of humanity. Too often never returning alive.

It has been argued that today’s educational curriculum does not adequately cover America’s war history and efforts. Nor does it do justice to highlighting the true valor and bravery our young men and women made during these dire times. Or the strength and courage they enacted to protect the very rights and privileges that so often younger generations take for granted.

Addressing this issue, our objective therefore expands far beyond a simple Memorial. The Project will eventually provide Educational support materials, films, Veteran speaker and presentation elements to schools. There are National Historical and Military Museums that are already providing archival art to the Project and have numerous educational tools available to contribute.\

These objectives will be coordinated to develop a complete American Veterans experience for students. Support from County and City civic leaders could be coupled with an expanded all day field trip to the monuments and the Racine Veterans Center & Legacy Museum for presentations and a meal. In the future, extending visits to include the new Pritzker Archives & Memorial Park Center planned seven miles away in Somers, WI will be explored.

The Veterans Walk will accommodate various Veterans and civic events by possibly adding a small parade field adjacent to the Walk. The area will be a natural draw to attendees at other activities in the Pritchard Park Sports fields. Tie-ins with the Johnson Water Park facility could be part of the Veterans tour for younger children.

Therefore, the overall objective of the Memorials are to provide a Visitors destination for Tourists, the local Community to experience a true tribute to Veterans and all to enjoy the beauty of Pritchard Park’s facilities. In tandem with the general Memorial experience, the Veterans Walk will provide a venue for Veterans and Civic events.

Just as important, the Memorial will provide a cornerstone for building an Educational Experience, for younger generations to gain a better perspective on America’s Veterans. This will be supported through work-book materials, presentations, films and tours for schools.

Not only will the Memorials “Preserve and Honor” the Veterans who devoted their time, bravery and sometimes lives to their country. But, provide a true historical representation of their sacrifices and victories for the younger generation.

 It’s been 28 years since the last significant Veterans Memorial was built at Pritchard Park. Racine is long overdue for a significant Memorial effort to honor all our Veterans.

Living Memorial

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.