Complete Narration

The Angel of Mercy

This statue portrays an angel tenderly carrying a fallen soldier to his eternal rest, symbolizing the sacred transition of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. With powerful wings spread and arms cradling the warrior with gentleness, this memorial serves as a poignant reminder that our fallen heroes are not forgotten, but rather carried home by angels to their final peace.

Civil War – Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, America’s 16th president, guided the nation through its darkest hour during the Civil War, preserving the Union while delivering the Emancipation Proclamation that set millions of enslaved people on the path to freedom. His unwavering leadership, profound wisdom captured in the Gettysburg Address, and tragic assassination at war’s end made him an eternal symbol of unity, equality, and sacrifice in American history.

Civil War – Drummer Boys

Young drummer boys, some as young as 9 years old, played a vital role in Civil War military communications, using their drums to relay officers’ commands across the chaos of the battlefield. These brave children were essential members of both armies, translating orders into distinct drum patterns that could be heard above the din of battle, though their service often came at the cost of their own innocence and safety.

Spanish American War

The Spanish-American War of 1898, sparked by the explosion of the USS Maine and cries for Cuban independence, marked America’s emergence as a global power through swift victories in both the Caribbean and Pacific theaters. The conflict’s resolution through the Treaty of Paris resulted in Spain ceding control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States, fundamentally changing America’s role in world affairs.

World War I

World War I engulfed Europe in unprecedented warfare, with America joining the Allied Powers in 1917 to help secure victory in what was then called ‘The War to End All Wars.’ Over 4.7 million Americans served in uniform, with 116,516 making the ultimate sacrifice, as modern weapons like machine guns, tanks, and chemical warfare transformed battlefields across France and Belgium into scenes of unimaginable devastation, forever changing the nature of military conflict.
If you look closely, the statues have faces of community members who fought in WWI.

32nd Red Arrow Division

The 32nd ‘Red Arrow’ Division, formed from Wisconsin and Michigan National Guard units, earned its distinctive arrow insignia by piercing every German line it encountered in World War I and later served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Known for their tenacity and grit, these Midwestern soldiers spent 654 days in combat during WWII—more than any other American division—while fighting through New Guinea and the Philippines, living up to their motto ‘Les Terribles’ given to them by the French during WWI.

World War II

World War II stands as history’s most devastating global conflict, where over 16 million Americans served to defeat Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan in a struggle that would define the 20th century. Fighting across Europe, Africa, and the Pacific, American forces helped liberate continents and end the Holocaust, though victory came at an enormous cost of over 400,000 American lives, ultimately leading to the emergence of the United States as a global superpower and defender of democracy.

Iwo Jima

The Battle of Iwo Jima became immortalized when six Marines raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi, creating one of the most iconic images of World War II and symbolizing the courage and determination of American forces. The 36-day struggle for this strategic Pacific island claimed the lives of nearly 7,000 Americans and 20,000 Japanese defenders, exemplifying the fierce combat of the Pacific Theater and living up to Admiral Nimitz’s famous words that ‘uncommon valor was a common virtue’ among those who fought there.

Korean War

The Korean War, often called ‘The Forgotten War,’ began when North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel, leading United Nations forces led by American troops to defend South Korea from communist aggression. Through brutal winters, mountainous terrain, and against overwhelming Chinese reinforcements, over 1.8 million Americans served in Korea, with 36,516 making the ultimate sacrifice to preserve South Korea’s freedom, establishing America’s commitment to defending democracy during the Cold War.

War Dog

Military working dogs have served alongside American forces since World War II’s K-9 Corps, with breeds like the Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd proving invaluable in detecting mines, tracking enemies, and protecting troops. These four-legged warriors continue their service today, equipped with specialized gear including body armor and night-vision goggles, demonstrating extraordinary courage and loyalty while helping to keep our service members safe in conflicts around the world

Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a complex conflict that saw over 2.7 million Americans serve in Southeast Asia, fighting against North Vietnamese forces and the Viet Cong in challenging jungle terrain and difficult conditions. Despite the bravery and sacrifice of 58,220 American service members who gave their lives, the war created deep divisions at home, leading to a challenging homecoming for many veterans who deserved far better recognition for their service and sacrifice.
This memorial honors those who fought in the war (Stars), died in the war (Cross), and those who served in the military during the time of the war.