Pulaski Area Veterans Monument unveiling, Oct. 14, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
PULASKI, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A project years in the making that honors hundreds of local servicemembers is now officially complete.
On Tuesday, dozens of community members, veterans and volunteers came together for a ribbon cutting for the Pulaski Area Veterans Monument. It’s located within Veterans Memorial Park at 651 S. St. Augustine Street.
Work to build this monument began in 2019, when a veteran inquired at a VFW meeting why Pulaski does not have a memorial for its veterans.
“That question resulted in several years of fundraising, and thanks to the generosity of many people, we stand here today celebrating,” said John Weister, committee chairman for the Pulaski Area Veterans Monument.
He said this monument is long overdue.
“Remembering those who have sacrificed some or all in the defense of this country is something we must do to have the freedom we all enjoy,” said Weister.
The monument consists of four “tablets” which feature the names of area servicemembers, as well as what branch they served in and how long they served.
Right now, there are about 560 names on the stones, with room for more.
“We have room for almost 2,000,” said Weister.
The top two lines on the tablet to the right of the centerpiece list local veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
With donations of things like excavating work and concrete, the cost for the monument was about $125,000. Four granite benches around the monument feature the names and organizations of those who donated to help fund the memorial.
“The fundraising is a big part. It’s trying to get enough funds to support a monument like this. The granite stones, the flag poles are all very expensive,” said Jim Van Lannen, previous commander of the VFW & American Legion.
“The Pulaski community has been outstanding. They’ve been supporting us with fundraisers, donations. People came out to volunteer to help us work. Outstanding,” said Weister.
It’s because of them that the names of all who gave some and some who gave all are now immortalized in the Pulaski community.
If you would like a veteran’s name added to the monument, space applications are available. See the Facebook post below to fill out the form.
Tuesday’s ribbon cutting ceremony included a prayer, flag raisings and musical performances from the Pulaski High School marching band.
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