MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The effort to save the eternal flame at the Soldiers and Sailors monument in Manitowoc is a success.
In three years, the campaign raised $200,000 which officials say should cover costs at the site forever.
“I want to say thank you. Manitowoc City, County, and everybody across America, we did it!” said Tom Hoffman, Manitowoc County United Veterans Council Chairman.
Hoffman tells FOX 11 raising the money was a challenge.
“They said $200,000 is the goal, and everybody said what? You’ll never get that. It gave us an incentive to prove them wrong.”
The monument is nearly a century old, and the eternal flame was lit on Memorial Day, 1969. The City of Manitowoc, veterans groups, and a family fund were used to cover the cost. But over the years, the money was running out, and in 2018, residents stepped in to try to save the flame.
“It’s purely donation funded. There’s no tax dollars going into it at all,” said Todd Brehmer, Manitowoc County Veterans Service Officer.
Brehmer tells FOX 11 a $200,000 account set up through the Lakeshore Community Foundation would generate enough interest each year, to cover maintenance and operating costs at Veterans Memorial Park across the street, and the Soldiers and Sailors eternal flame.
“What this shows is how a community pulls together, and supports the veteran community, the existing veterans as well as the veterans that are gone.”
And as officials celebrate with a ceremonial check, Hoffman says he’s happy the flame will remain eternal.
“And we did it. We did it. We did it. We did it. Proud moment? Extremely proud moment. Now, I don’t know what to do next now.”
Officials say as finances allow, money from the Foundation could be used to help other veterans programs throughout Manitowoc County.
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