Milestones
Building the Stoughton Area Veterans Memorial Park. A timeline from groundbreaking to completion.
Groundbreaking Ceremony
September 26, 2015 • On a beautiful September morning, the Stoughton Veterans Memorial project was given its formal, public kickoff.
Early Days
October 27, 2015 • With the gift of approximately three acres of land situated at the intersection of County Highway B and Country Club Road just north of downtown Stoughton and the formation of a Steering Committee, the project was underway. Just under two years after this photo was taken, the Stoughton Veterans Memorial was complete.
Fundraising Builds Momentum
October 27, 2015 • The memorial was built with many donations from the Stoughton community. At this early stage, fundraising efforts were boosted by several large donations. Shown here is Wahlin Foundation Executive Director Betsy McClimon presenting a substantial gift to steering committee members Duane Broughton and Bud Erickson.
Actual Groundbreaking
January 29, 2016 • On this cold day in January, work began on the Stoughton Veterans Memorial, with heavy equipment from R.G. Huston Co. moving earth to prepare the foundation.
City Hall Award Ceremony
April 12, 2016 • Every April, Stoughton's mayor recognizes those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding volunteerism and service to the Stoughton community. In 2016, in a break from tradition, Stoughton Mayor Donna Olson presented the "Volunteer of the Year" award to the entire Stoughton Veterans Memorial Steering Committee.
Centerpiece Installation
October 4, 2016 • The Memorial began taking shape with the delivery and installation of the monument centerpiece and future perch of the bronze eagle sculpted by Richard Young. A Pechmann Memorials crew did the heavy lifting, with representatives from the Steering Committee on hand to witness the event.
Eagle Installation
May 18, 2017 • Another important day – the majestic bronze eagle sculpted by Richard Young was installed atop the centerpiece of the Memorial.
Dedication Ceremony
October 14, 2017 • A large crowd gathered for the formal dedication of the Stoughton Veterans Memorial on a gray and rainy October day. Under a large American flag raised overhead by the Fire Department’s ladder truck and inspired by patriotic music played by the Stoughton High School Band, veterans, community members, local officials and the Steering Committee together celebrated the Memorial's completion.
We will never forget, and will forever honor, the dedication, sacrifice, and courage of our service men and women.
Granite Road Marker
May 1, 2019 • The most recent addition to the Memorial, this road sign was a gift from Pat Holtan in memory of Paul Kraby, a Norwegian immigrant, WWI veteran, and Stoughton police officer who was killed in the line of duty on October 12, 1934.