File

The SixTripleEight Movie Screening + Panel

Thursday, June 6th 6PM

War Memorial Center, 3rd floor in Memorial Hall
 
The documentary tells the relatively unknown story of the 855 African-American female members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, a Women’s Army Corps unit also known as the “Six Triple Eight,” the only all African-American female unit sent overseas during World War II.

In February 1945, the “Six Triple Eight” was deployed to Europe to clear an estimated two-year backlog of mail for the nearly seven million members of the U.S. military, government personnel, and Red Cross workers serving in the European Theater of Operations. Commanded by then Major Charity Adams Earley, they faced racism, sexism and worked in austere conditions. Despite this environment, they cleared the backlog in Birmingham, England, in three months by working three shifts daily and processing approximately 65,000 pieces of mail per shift adhering to their motto, “No Mail, Low Morale.” The unit relocated to France to continue their work to clear the mail backlog.

In February 1946, the last of the “Six Triple Eight” returned to the U.S. and the Jim Crow laws that enforced segregation. The unit was disbanded at Fort Dix, New Jersey, without ceremony or official recognition of their accomplishments.

More than 70 years later, the Senate, in February 2018, unanimously passed SR 412 recognizing the service of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and giving support for the 6888th monument at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Additionally, Senator Jerry Moran, (R-Kan) introduced bipartisan legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the “Six Triple Eight,” while the Secretary of the Army recently awarded the unit a Meritorious Unit Commendation. Six of the original “Six Triple Eight” members, are known to be living to receive these accolades.

The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited.

Questions: call 414-273-5533
 

File

July 3rd Fireworks

Wednesday, July 3, 2019 6 PM


 
Enjoy a magical evening on WMC's Fitch Plaza and get the best seat in the city for Milwaukee's July 3rd fireworks display!
 

File

Vet Fest

Thursday, August 8, 2019 3-10PM

Thank a Veteran
 
The public is invited to join us on August 8 to Thank a Veteran. So save the date and be sure to join us as we celebrate over 60 years of honoring veterans at the War Memorial Center!
 

Lego Event

Thursday, January 24
6 pm

Join Historic Milwaukee and Workshop architect Sam Kreuser for an evening of design, Legos and local brews. Learn the fundamentals of architecture, build an iconic Milwaukee building with Legos, and enjoy a local crafted beer.

On January 24, you can build the War Memorial Center. 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.

Sam will share the building’s history and walk participants through the process of building a Lego version of the War Memorial Center.

Please note that two people will be in each group to build the model. The event is a hands-on program for adults, capacity is 12 total, RSVP required.

Veterans Day Events

Saturday, November 10

The Annual Veterans Day of Honor and Parade takes place every year on the Saturday before Veterans Day in downtown Milwaukee. This year will commemorate the WWI centennial. The parade steps off at 11 am and ends at the War Memorial Center. It boasts over 1000 veterans and military from all over southeastern Wisconsin as well as floats, marching bands, and jeeps. In addition to the parade, the Day of Honor includes military displays at the War Memorial Center and a Memorial Service at the Reflecting Pool to honor those we have lost in service to our country. Take note, there is a new route for the parade this year down Kilbourn Ave. See the new route here: NEW ROUTE

Veterans Day

Sunday, November 11

Veterans Day Ceremony at 10:30 AM

Join us at the War Memorial Center for a Veterans Day ceremony at 10:30 a.m. sponsored by Milwaukee Police Post 415 and Milwaukee Firefighter Post 426 of the American Legion. Our guest presenter this year is Wisconsin Veterans Affairs Secretary Daniel Zimmerman. Of all the venues that he could have chosen for the 100th anniversary, we are honored that Sec. Zimmerman has selected the War Memorial Center to make this year’s speech. We hope you can join us for this special event!

Veterans Day Banquet at 5 PM

The annual Veterans Day Banquet organized by the Veterans Board of Directors starts at 5 pm on Sunday. The guest speaker is Dr. Dan Zomcheck who is the Director of the Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee. Who will be named this year’s Milwaukee County Veteran of the Year? Find out at this dinner!

Tuesday, November 13

5 PM in the War Memorial Center Memorial Hall, 3rd Floor

On November 13, 2018, the War Memorial Center Board of Trustees commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Gary Wetzel receiving the MOH at a ceremony in Memorial Hall. Our Board collectively and individually applauds the heroism of Mr. Wetzel and we deeply appreciate the many appearances and speeches he has made on our behalf over the past decades. He is especially effective reaching the younger audiences who marvel at his dignity, sense of humor, and of course, his history. He was a hero then and he continues to build on his legacy through his continued patriotism and leadership to this very day. Gary G. Wetzel. A hero, a patriot, a role model, and a friend. Congratulations, Gary!

WWI Lecture Series

October 4,11,18 & November 1

Presented by Honor Our Military, Inc. and War Memorial Center
Proud partners of United States World War One Centennial Commision

Project 22 Run/Walk

September 16

Walk or ride 22 miles or 2.2 miles to raise awareness about veteran depression and suicide as well as show support for veterans. There will also be a screening of the Project 22 movie about the struggles many veterans face after leaving the military as well as successful treatment and resources.

POW/MIA Day

September 21

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is an observance that honors those who were prisoners of war (POW) as well as those who are still missing in action (MIA). It is observed in the United States on the third Friday in September.

Doors Open MKE

September 22-23

Join this city-wide celebration of architecture, history, and discovery. The War Memorial Center will be open for tours Saturday 10-1:30 and Sunday 10-5.

Gold Star Family Day

September 23

Observed annually on the last Sunday in September.
National Gold Star Family Day was created to recognize and honor those that have lost their son or daughter while serving our country in the United States Armed Forces.

Fireworks Event

July 3rd 2018

Enjoy a magical evening on WMC’s Fitch Plaza and get the best seat in the city for Milwaukee’s July 3rd fireworks display!

Vet Fest

August 9th 2018

The War Memorial Center is excited to announce that VetFest will take place on Aug. 9, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the WMC.

Milwaukee County Remembers 9/11

September 11 7:30 AM

The public is invited to join us for this annual ceremony to remember the attack on America on Sept. 11, 2001.

Vet Fest

August 8th 2019

The War Memorial Center is excited to announce that next year VetFest will take place on Aug. 8, 2019.

Support our mission to honor the dead – serve the living

Milwaukee County War Memorial Center
750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
(414) 273-5533