Three Lakes Veterans Memorial project taking shape

When the Three Lakes Community Foundation (TLCF) voted to offer a matching grant of $10,000 in support of the Three Lakes Veterans Memorial on June 3, 2024, the group hoped it would be able to present the project with a $20,000 check by the end of the year. However, the generous spirit and support of the Three Lakes community exceeded expectations as the TLCF recently presented the memorial committee with a check for $30,605.

“With the support of over 50 local, state, and out-of-state donors, we not only met our goal of matching the first $10,000 but greatly exceeded it,” TLCF board member Linda Goldsworthy noted in a press release updating the community on the project..

“Twelve donations recognized those who served and returned as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” she continued. “It’s beautiful to see families honoring their loved ones.”

The ad hoc committee members appointed by the Town of Three Lakes Planning Commission were also pleased to see the support. 

Committee member and veteran Pat Volk praised the efforts, saying, “On behalf of the Three Lakes area veterans, past, present, and future, the Three Lakes Veteran’s Memorial Committee would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to all the Three Lakes area citizens, organizations and businesses as well as our surrounding communities that have contributed so generously both with time and money to our Veterans Memorial.”

“The committee began fundraising in 2024, and to see what we have received in less than a year is amazing,” he continued.

According to Sue Harris, another ad hoc committee member, the group is about 50 percent complete with the fundraising process. A January 2024 estimate placed the project cost at about $500,000.

Currently, plans are to break ground in the spring of 2025 and complete the storm sewer, grading, concrete, and sidewalk work by the summer.

Harris also added that local contractors, including Town & Country Engineering, Chippewa Concrete, Bodart Electric, and Pitlik & Wick, are supplying in-kind services to support the project.

While an exact dedication date for the memorial has not been determined, Harris estimates that the project will be completed in the fall of 2026.

The TLCF, a 501(c)3 organization, is still accepting donations for the Three Lakes Veterans Memorial. Donations via credit card can be made at www.threelakescommunityfoundation.org.

Additionally, checks made out to the Three Lakes Community Foundation, noting Veteran’s Memorial can be mailed to P.O. Box 231, Three Lakes, WI 54562.

According to a description of the project on the TLCF website, the memorial will consist of “three granite podiums: the first will welcome visitors to the space, the second will memorialize those killed in action, and the third will recognize those who were prisoners of war or are missing in action. Additionally, six India Black polished granite panels, one for each branch of service will be etched with the names of those who served. Seven flag poles will adorn the site, including the national and state flags and the six flags of each military branch. To provide a space for contemplation, four granite benches and a colored concrete walkway will complete the project. Once completed, this memorial project will have a lasting positive impact on our community. Its physical location in the town square will connect our municipal building, town library, and our historical society grounds. Our youth will pass by it every day while riding to school, feeling grateful for our freedoms. And our community will have a place to come and sit with reverence. It is vital for our small communities to feel connected to the world in which we participate and to commemorate those who have served.”