Page 3 - WMC 2022 Annual Report

2022 ANNUAL LETTER
“Any Nation That Does Not Honor Its Heroes Will Not Long Endure.”
Dear Friends,
We took President Lincoln’s quote to heart in 2022 and moved the War Memorial Center in an exciting new direction. The launch of Operation Advance set us on a path toward permanent exhibits for the first time in our history. We are pleased to report the success of phase one allowed us to open the Wisconsin Medal of Honor exhibit in Honor Gallery in August of 2022.
The exhibit transforms previously unused space in a corridor connecting the War Memorial Center to the Milwaukee Art Museum. This reimagined space is designed to honor our heroes, educate with history, and support the healing process by sharing the timeless stories and experiences of veterans.
Wisconsin’s Medal of Honor exhibit tells the stories of the 64 Wisconsin recipients since the Civil War who have been awarded our nation’s highest military decoration. They were farmers, shopkeepers, factory workers, sons and brothers. But when called to serve our country, they each did something extraordinary. It is our privilege to share their stories in hopes that they will inspire us all to reach our potential and create a better future for our state, our country and our world.
We are moving into phase two of Operation Advance to fund future interactive exhibits. These include one focused on POW/MIA (Prisoner of War/Missing in Action) and one centered on a Situation Room—a leadership lab where students and adult learners explore the characteristics of military exemplars throughout history.
— Abraham Lincoln
Something for Everyone
The War Memorial Center continues to reintroduce itself
to the community through a host of engaging events that have brought thousands of visitors to our beautiful lakefront home. From the awe-inspiring Memorial Day weekend Field of Flags to the return of the Celebration of Freedom July 3rd fireworks show after a two-year absence to the expansion of our summer beer garden, there is truly something for everyone at the War Memorial Center.
Thank you for helping us fulfill the mission that has guided us for 66 years: Honor the Dead by Serving the Living.
With much gratitude,
Daniel Buttery, President & CEO
Michael W. Grebe, Board Chairman
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