WILD ROSE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Bell AH-1 Huey Cobra attack helicopter is a familiar sight to Vietnam veterans.
“They saved our lives. That’s just the way it was,” said American Legion Post 370 Commander Cal Wilson.
“It’s a great thing. We got it from the government. They own it, we’re using it.”
It’s now placed right as you enter Wild Rose near the same sign welcoming visitors to the community.
For the next 99 years, The American Legion Post 370 will lease the land from the Lions Club for a dollar a year.
Legion Member Barry Osicka tells FOX 11…
“We’ve heard such good stuff about it. especially at night when it’s all lit up. So the response in town has been people stopping in from all over the United States.”
Since the helicopter’s been here, they’ve made improvements to the site in order to make it a memorial that people will visit. They’ve added paved sidewalks, lighting, and flags to adorn the chopper.
“That’s why we have these benches and this place for wheelchairs, so if they want to sit down and remember stuff that’s the idea,” said Wilson.
After those improvements and a detailed restoration to the chopper– These vets were left with a large bill.
So Wilson says this community, of just 700, got to it.
“…Service organizations, uh, the community band raised money, everybody pitched in to make this happen, and for a small community to raise over $25,000 in, I say, less than a year that’s phenomenal”.
Everything that’s done is paid for, but Legion members say the work will continue on the memorial.
Bricks purchased through the fundraiser, honoring veterans, will soon fill in space too.
“We’re trying to remember veterans of past, present, and future. They need to be remembered. Our freedom we get from them,” said Wilson.
Today, the thank you was reciprocated as these Vietnam veterans thanked community members for their generosity that allows them to have a place to remember and reflect.
