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.

Vet Fest

August 8th 2019

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