The War Memorial Center is Wisconsin’s most visible memorial to all those who have served in the U.S. Armed Services, and is committed to furthering a single, solemn mission:
“Honor the Dead. Serve the Living.”
Dedicated on Veterans Day 1957 and designated a Milwaukee Landmark in 1974, The War Memorial Center is the stunning architectural achievement of renowned Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, whose work also included the St. Louis Gateway Arch, New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport and Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. Most importantly, Saarinen’s design and the memorials throughout the facility stand as a lasting testament to those who lost their lives defending the freedoms that we all cherish.
In addition to standing as a testament to those whose made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, the War Memorial Center is a hub for veteran activities. We work to ensure each veteran knows their service is appreciated as we inspire patriotism in our youth and honor the 3,481 men and women from Milwaukee County who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We provide over $120,000 in services each year to veterans and veteran service organizations.
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The War Memorial Center was born out of the collective vision of the Zonta, Altrusa, Business and Professional Women’s Club and the Milwaukee Civic Alliance to create a fitting memorial to honor the War Dead of WWII. Our mission remains, “To Honor the Dead by Serving the Living.”
Inspired by their vision, fundraising began and the community pooled its resources. The building was dedicated on Veterans Day 1957 as a testament to the men and women who served our nation when called.
Charles A. Gordon
Chairman
Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.
Mary B. Read
Vice-Chairwoman
Clement Finance & Leasing, Inc.
Michael Koszuta
Secretary
Command Sgt. Major (Ret.)
US Army
Michael C. Gibson
Treasurer
J H Findorff & Son
Michael W. Grebe
Immediate Past Chairman
Lynde & Harry Bradley
Foundation, Retired
Candee S. Arndt
Community Member
Berdie Cowser, Ph.D.
Center for Veterans Issues, Ltd.
Bert Garvin
WEC Energy Group
George J. Gaspar
Retired
Jeffrey L. Marks
Retired
Eugene Manzanet, Ph.D
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Co Nguyen
Rockwell Automation
Jean Ruka
Retired
Will Ross
1950-1951
Philip K. Robinson
1951-1958
Richard J. White, Jr.
1958-1963
Joseph A. Greco
1964-1975
Charles C. Mulcahy
1976-1984
Thomas S. O’Byrne
1984-1988
Lester J. Dencker
1988-1989
Marshall R. Berkoff
1989-1994
Thomas A. Bailey
1994-2002
George J. Gaspar
2002-2013
Michael M. Berzowski
2013-2015
Peter P. Pochowski
2015-2020
Michael W. Grebe
2020-2023
Dan Buttery
President and CEO
Laurie Kildegaard
VP of Finance and Administration
Vicki Chappell
VP of Philanthropy
Sean Clark
Program Director
Mark Waldoch
Accountant
Manda Gill
Event Manager
Armando Herrera
Facilities Manager
Memorial Day to Labor Day
8AM-8PM daily
Labor Day to Memorial Day
8AM-6PM daily