The Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation is proud to invite the community to an evening of patriotism, reflection, and celebration as they host a Patriotic Sing Along and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Unveiling. The event will take place this Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the River Prairie Park Amphitheatre in Altoona.
This special gathering serves as a meaningful opportunity for the community to come together to honor veterans, celebrate our shared history, and witness a significant addition to the local landscape. As the nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, this event highlights the spirit of unity and remembrance that defines the Chippewa Valley.
Event Details
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Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026
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Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
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Location: River Prairie Park Amphitheatre, 1415 Front Porch Pl, Altoona, WI 54720
“The Chippewa Valley Veterans Park will be a place to honor all Veterans throughout history,” said Tim Sexton, Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Board President. “Through the generous donation of VFW 10405 and the match campaign we were able to create from that, this memorial will be able to honor Vietnam Veterans for decades to come.” The unveiling of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial represents a key milestone in the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to recognizing the sacrifices and service of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The event is public, and community members of all ages are encouraged to attend, participate in the sing-along, and support this tribute to our veterans.
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As thousands of music fans gather at Summer Jam this weekend, they will be welcomed by a powerful display honoring the men and women who have served our country and communities. The drive down Music Road and the walking path to the Main gate are lined with American and Wisconsin flags honoring our active duty service members, veterans and first responders.
The Field of Flags, a joint initiative between Summer Jam, Country Jam, the Sunrise Exchange Club of Eau Claire, and the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation (CVVTF), returns for Summer Jam and Country Jam in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. It will move to the Veterans Tribute Trail between the festivals to the Veterans Tribute Trail at River Prairie Park for the Patriotic Sing Along and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Unveiling.
The display serves as a reminder that the freedoms celebrated during the summer festival season are made possible by the service and sacrifice of those who answered the call to serve.
“Summer Jam is about bringing people together, and the Field of Flags gives us an opportunity to pause and recognize the heroes who have made our communities and our country stronger,” said Paula Fronk, GM of Eau Claire Event District.
In addition to honoring local heroes, every flag sponsorship supports a larger mission. Community members can sponsor a dedicated American flag for a $60 donation in honor of a veteran or first responder. One hundred percent of proceeds from the Field of Flags campaign benefit the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation’s matching fund campaign for the creation of two new memorials:
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The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
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The Korean Veterans Memorial
These memorials will become permanent additions to the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Trail, providing future generations with a place to reflect, learn, and remember the sacrifices made by those who served.
Festival attendees are encouraged to visit the Field of Flags display during Summer Jam and consider sponsoring a flag in honor of a veteran or first responder who has impacted their life.
For more information about the Field of Flags campaign or to sponsor a flag, visit the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation at https://www.chippewavalleyveterans.org/field-of-flags-2026
About the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation
The Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation is dedicated to honoring veterans through remembrance, education, and the creation of memorials that preserve the stories and sacrifices of those who served our nation.
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Article by The 715 Newsroom
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Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #263 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Mon., May 26, 2025, as the state and nation recognize Memorial Day to honor and remember the nation’s fallen heroes, as well as the family members and loved ones they left behind.
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“As we honor Memorial Day, we solemnly pay tribute to service members throughout our nation’s history who have given their lives in service of the freedoms, principles, and values we hold dear,” said Gov. Evers. “These service members selflessly sacrificed their lives for this country, and we share a duty and a responsibility to protect and defend all those who have protected and defended us. On Memorial Day, in Wisconsin and across America, we are called upon to remember, reflect on, and honor our nation’s fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price and the loved ones, friends, and colleagues who miss them and cherish their memory every day.”
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The Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation invites the community to gather in solemn remembrance and celebration during its Memorial Day Ceremony and Legacy Stones Dedication at the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute in Altoona’s River Prairie Park.
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Whatever plans you have for Memorial Day, we wish you a safe one and also moments to reflect on those who gave all to allow us to celebrate all we have.
You are not forgotten.
The Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation invites the community to gather in remembrance and gratitude this Memorial Day at the River Prairie Veterans Park. The annual Memorial Day Ceremony will feature a solemn Legacy Stone Dedication, adding new, permanently engraved monuments to the tribute walk to honor local service members.
The event will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026, beginning at 2:00pm at the Chippewa Valley Veterans Park, located on Blazing Star Boulevard in River Prairie Park.
This year’s ceremony will feature traditional military honors, guest speakers, and the formal dedication of newly installed gray and red granite Legacy Stones. Each stone represents a deeply personal story of service, preserving the history of local individuals who stepped forward to protect America’s freedoms.
“Our mission is to ensure that the sacrifices of our local veterans and their families are never forgotten,” said Tim Sexton, Foundation President. “The Legacy Stones are a permanent, living piece of history. Dedicating them on Memorial Day allows our community to stand together, reflect on the true cost of our freedom, and show these families that their loved ones are profoundly honored and loved.”
Event Highlights Include:
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The Legacy Stone Dedication: Recognition of local veterans with gray granite stones, alongside red granite stones dedicated to those missing or killed in action.
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A Walk of Remembrance: Attendees are encouraged to walk the Veterans Tribute Trail to view the 14 interactive tributes, sponsored benches, and monuments.
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The Coin Tradition: Visitors can participate in the historic military tradition of leaving coins on the Legacy Stones as a token of respect (a penny for a visit, a nickel for training together, a dime for serving together, and a quarter for being present when a soldier fell). All collected coins directly fund the maintenance and growth of the Veterans Park.
The ceremony is free and open to the public. Limited seating will be available and attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs.
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Article by The 715 Newsroom
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The Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation invites the community to gather in solemn remembrance and celebration during its Memorial Day Ceremony and Legacy Stones Dedication at the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute in Altoona’s River Prairie Park on May 26th, 2025. This annual tribute honors the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States of America.
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The event will feature the dedication of the Legacy Stones, benches, and the Welcome Home Statue, creating lasting monuments to those who served. A special moment of silence will be observed in honor of the late board member, Joe Heil, Sr., recognizing his dedication to veterans and his enduring legacy.
Event Itinerary (Subject to Change)
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1:45 PM: Municipal Band Begins Playing
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2:00 PM: Dedication Begins
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Presentation of Colors
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Pledge of Allegiance
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National Anthem
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Invocation
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Moment of Silence and Remembrance of Joe Heil, Sr.
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Introduction of Guest Speaker
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Keynote Address
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Armed Forces Medley
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Dedication of Legacy Stones
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Reading of the Stones
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Singing of “God Bless America”
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Dedication of the Welcome Home Statue (Presented by American Phoenix)
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Benediction
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Closing Remarks
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Retirement of the Colors
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Foundation Update
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Municipal Band Closes
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“This ceremony is a chance for our community to reflect on the sacrifices of our veterans, to ensure their names are etched in history, and to come together in unity and gratitude,” said Tim Sexton, Board President.
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Article by The 715 Newsroom
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Eau Claire, WI – Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation announced today a transformational $160,000 donation from Altoona’s VFW Post 10405, made possible through the proceeds from the sale of the Post’s longtime building.
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The gift will be used to establish a public matching campaign and to jumpstart the creation of a dedicated Vietnam Memorial along the Tribute Trail. The planned memorial will honor the service and sacrifice of Vietnam War veterans from the Chippewa Valley and serve as a permanent place for remembrance, reflection, and education.
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“This is an extraordinary and deeply meaningful gift,” said Tim Sexton, president of the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation. “VFW Post 10405 made a thoughtful decision to ensure that the legacy of their Post continues in a way that honors veterans for generations to come. Their generosity gives our community a powerful opportunity to come together and build something truly lasting.”
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The $160,000 donation will anchor a forthcoming match campaign, encouraging individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to contribute toward the Vietnam Memorial and multiply the impact of VFW Post 10405’s investment.
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Members of VFW Post 10405 emphasized that the decision to direct proceeds toward the Vietnam Memorial aligned with the Post’s mission and values, ensuring continued support for veterans and their stories. As the Post itself transitions into a lasting memorial where all can honor these veterans.
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On March 29th, Vietnam Veterans’ Day, we will be celebrating the generous gift from these incredible Veterans and kicking off our match campaign. Please join us at Cowboy Jacks from 5:30- to 7:30 for appetizers, drinks, and a special program about our vision, the men and women we’re honoring and the organization that made it possible.
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For updates on the Vietnam Memorial project or to learn more about how to support the effort, visit the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute website or follow along on social media.
Monday, as our region continues to honor Memorial Day, the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation hosted a ceremony and dedication.
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This annual tribute looks to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who continue to serve and defend our country.
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At River Prairie Park, people joined to watch the dedication of the legacy stones, benches and the welcome home statue.
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“A powerful symbol of honor, healing and hope. This statue stands not only as a tribute to our veterans, but also as a reminder that every service member deserves a welcome home. Not just in the moment when they returned, but for the rest of their lives.”
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The welcome home statue was made possible through support from American Phoenix Incorporated.
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Copyright 2025 WEAU. All rights reserved.
A generous donation from one local VFW is marks the beginning of a new Vietnam Veterans Tribute.
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The Altoona VFW presented a check for $10,000 to the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute.
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The money will go towards a $200,000 fundraising campaign dedicated to honoring the soldiers of the Vietnam war.
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The commander of the VFW in Altoona said he hopes this new tribute will encourage more veterans to connect with local veterans’ groups.
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I think it’ll mean a lot. Maybe it’ll get more veterans to join the clubs out there, the legions, and everything else once they see something like this being built in honor of what we’ve done through the years,” said Robert Pierce, an Army veteran and commander of the VFW.
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The Vietnam Veterans Tribute will be added to the existing veterans’ tribute in Altoona’s River Prairie Park.
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If you would like to donate to the campaign, click here.
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Copyright 2025 WEAU. All rights reserved.
The Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute is shining bright after receiving a large donation.
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Hardee’s donated $30,000 today that they raised during their “Stars for Hero’s” campaign. It runs every year from Memorial Day to July 4 and gives customers the opportunity to donate to veterans in need.
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The President of the Veterans Tribute says they have a project in mind for the funds.
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“We are raising funds for the World War II memorial. So again, anything and everything helps us to achieve that. We would want to get to that goal by spring of 2025 so next summer we can start building that memorial,” said Tim Sexton, the President of the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation.
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50% of the funds collected during the Stars for Hero’s campaign go to a national program called USA Cares, while the other half stays local.
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Copyright 2024 WEAU. All rights reserved.
Veterans Day is a federal holiday where those who served are recognized for their commitment to our country.
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Here in the Chippewa Valley, it’s being honored in a variety of ways. One is a barbeque hosted by Minnesota Wire and Cable in Eau Claire.
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CEO, Paul Wagner, hosted the annual event in celebration on Veterans Day.
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“I’m a God fearing patriot who’s in love with freedom. And so right after 911, I started volunteering for the Association of U.S. Army. And then that turned into a, ‘hey, let’s celebrate the veterans,’ you know, on Veterans Day.”
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Wagner said Veterans Day is more than just a holiday.
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“The passion of taking care of those that take care of us, whether it’s Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, etc., A lot of these guys are old friends that just come back and shake your hand. So it’s their day.”
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In another celebration, the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute dedicated 60 more Legacy Stones to the Chippewa Valley Veterans Park in Altoona.
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Vietnam Veteran, Frank Bruyere, said he’s been going to the event for years and loves it.
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“The veterans are still here today with us. I like the color of those stones, but the ones who were killed in action, being red represents the blood that they gave.”
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Veterans Tribute Board of Trustees, Angela Deutschlender, said Veterans deserve more than they get.
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“Just knowing that we are acknowledging their service is all they want. They just want to be remembered. So it makes us really proud to give an opportunity for all of these people to come and say thank you. We appreciate the sacrifices that you and your family made for our freedoms.”
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There are now more than 2,000 stones in the park dedicated to fallen veterans.
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Copyright 2023 WEAU. All rights reserved.
The veteran's tribute will be expanding in 2022, all thanks to community donations and some help from the state.
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At its Veterans Day ceremony, organizers with the Veterans Tribute Foundation, which maintains the tribute in River Prairie, announced they received a grant totaling $644,000. Half of the money was raised from donations, the other half matched by the Wisconsin DNR. The money will go toward phase three of the Veterans Trail Tribute project.
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"Along the almost one-mile trail, there will be 15 bump-outs where people can stop, rest, and learn," said Mark Beckfield, President of the Veterans Foundation. "It's really an exciting addition next year."
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At each of the stops along the trail, people will find interactive stations to learn about every war from the Civil War to the War on Terror.
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This phase of the project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2022.
As a way to kick off the fourth of July weekend, hundreds of people gathered in River Prairie Park in Altoona to watch the raising of the American flag at the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute.
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While socially distancing, veterans and people from the community watched the 40 by 80 foot American flag raise up onto its 140-foot flag pole.
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"It means everything to our veterans," said Eau Claire County Veterans Foundation President Mark Beckfield.
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"You can't put it into words because it's so overwhelming," said veteran Eric Killen. "Then when you get all the veterans in one space and you do the national anthem and see this impressive flag it's an emotional event."
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After over four years of planning by the Eau Claire County Veterans Foundation, people and veterans in the area say they are emotional to finally celebrate phase one of the four-phase tribute. The last phases will include an honor mall, a timeline trail, monuments, and stories of local veterans.
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"This is really important in the Chippewa Valley," said Alex Laffey of Eau Claire. "We don't have a flag like this as large and as incredible as this so being able to drive by it every day is going to be incredible for all of the people throughout the Chippewa Valley."
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"The whole tribute of the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute is to honor the flag in our country," said Beckfield. "To educate our youth that freedom is not free and to remember those in the Chippewa Valley who have served with honor and their stories will be told right here in River Prairie."
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Veterans and people from the community say there couldn't have been a better way to start their fourth of July weekend even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
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With this newly added American flag, veterans say they are excited to continue to see the community's appreciation.
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"This is a big thank you every day when they drive by," said Beckfield. "Over 80,000 cars drive by here every day and we say thank you to our veterans. Thank you for your service."
Copyright 2020 WEAU. All rights reserved.
One of the tallest flagpoles in the Chippewa Valley was put in place Friday, June 26 at the site of a future veterans park.
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The 140-foot tall flagpole stands on the northeast side of Altoona's River Prairie Park.
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Earlier this month, ground was broken at the site of the future park.
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As for the flag it will hold, it's 40 feet tall and 80 feet long.
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It had to be spread out in the auditorium at Regis High School in order to be properly folded.
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The plan is to have the flag flying in time for the July 4 holiday.
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"The flag pole came from Michigan and was shipped here. We went through many, many permits like the City of Eau Claire, the county, and of course the FAA. Many permits and hundreds of meetings with people," said Eau Claire County Veterans Foundation President Mark Beckfield.
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Copyright 2020 WEAU. All rights reserved.
Work on the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute will continue as scheduled despite COVID-19.
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A groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 1 of the tribute is scheduled for mid- or late June at River Prairie Park in Altoona along the Eau Claire River, according to Mark Beckfield, president of the Eau Claire County Veterans Tribute Foundation and an Eau Claire County Board supervisor. Other than the cancelation of a flyover by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Beckfield said all other aspects of the groundbreaking are on track.
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Funding is covered for Phase 1, which will cost about $700,000. It will include a "wall of tears" along with an honor mall next to a field of gray and red "legacy stones" made of granite. The foundation has sold close to 1,000 stones, which are available to anyone, and Beckfield said there is enough space for about 2,700.
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Beckfield also said a tribute flag pole costing about $100,000 should arrive within the next two weeks. The foundation hopes to raise an American flag near July 4.
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The tribute will be built in four phases totaling at least $2.2 million over four years. A tribute trail will eventually be constructed, and it will begin with the Civil War and feature monuments for the 13 American wars since. The tribute focuses on veterans and their personal sacrifices. The trail will also include life-size bronze statues, a water feature honoring prisoners of war, and an area supporting Gold Star families. Beckfield said the trail will be at least 1,900 feet long and about 12 feet wide upon completion.
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Beckfield anticipates a few hundred people attending the groundbreaking ceremony in June. Under an Eau Claire County COVID-19 prevention and control order, a gathering of that size is currently not allowed to happen, but Beckfield expressed confidence it will occur.
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Altoona Mayor Brendan Pratt said the community will play it by ear, as circumstances change every week. As the groundbreaking date approaches, Pratt and foundation leaders will talk with public health experts and county officials to make sure everything is done while adhering to proper safety.
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"We want to work with them as much as possible and do what we need to do to comply as much as we can," Pratt said.
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If the groundbreaking happens next month, Beckfield said physical distancing will occur, as he expects a significant turnout.
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"The veterans say they'll come hell or high water," Beckfield said.
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Patrick LaVelle plans to attend the ceremony and take precautions like physical distancing and wearing a face mask. He expects most people will act similarly and said it helps that the ceremony will take place outdoors, where COVID-19 is less likely to spread between people.
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"Of course I'll be there," LaVelle said. "I wouldn't miss it for anything ... People just have to be careful."
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LaVelle is an Army Reserves veteran and former County Board supervisor. He and several extended family members purchased legacy stones.
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Coronavirus has slowed down the construction and shipping of a few tribute aspects, but Beckfield said the goal is to have everything in Phase 1 completed by Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
The Veterans Tribute Foundation is very proud to announce our recent partnership with the City of Altoona for the new location of the Eau Claire County Veterans Tribute.
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In our mission to preserve Eau Claire County's history and inspire and educate visitors about the service and sacrifice of local veterans, we are excited to have access to the many amenities available within the River Prairie Park development. With easy access from Hwy 53, the tribute will be visible from the highway and accommodate large groups for school field trips and Veteran events.
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The site comes complete with ample parking and exceptional handicap access to a river trail, the flag honor mall, as well as an outdoor amphitheater.
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This community gathering space is already a place that people want to be and fosters a sense of pride in the people who live and work in the surrounding area.
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The existing conference center, restaurants, and a hotel on-site make it an ideal location for large group events. And with no FEMA flood plain restrictions, we are confident the new location will be a secure and safe environment for the monuments and statuary that will be part of the Veterans tribute.
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Overall the River Prairie park development is beautifully designed with breathtaking views of the historic Eau Claire river. We feel that our Veterans tribute concept fits seamlessly into an inclusive development that is perfect for all generations and abilities to enjoy. We look forward to working with the City of Altoona and their talented team of developers to give Eau Claire County a Veterans tribute it can be proud of for generations to come.
It is the official position of the Eau Claire County Veterans Tribute Foundation that after much deliberation, we are moving our plans for the $2,200,000 Veteran's tribute from the City of Eau Claire to the City of Altoona within their River Prairie development.
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We have found this move to be in the best interest of the project and those who we represent as we have been welcomed without bias or agenda. The move is also financially responsible as it does not require additional infrastructure outside of our original design and budget, and we can begin construction sooner than anticipated.
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We would like to sincerely thank the City of Eau Claire staff, especially Jeff Pippenger and Todd Chwala, and the rest of the Community Services and Parks Department, for their help with our project's planning.
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We could not have asked for a more professional group of people to work with, and they should be commended for their talents and dedication to the City. For this reason, the Foundation is donating the schematics for the trail planned for the Forest Street special area to the City in the hopes that they will be used for a future project that the entire community can accept and enjoy.
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At the start, the Veteran's tribute was well received by members of the Eau Claire City Council, City of Eau Claire Waterways and Parks Commission, and the Eau Claire County Board. With their support, we moved forward with a plan that met all of the requirements of the parties involved. Somewhere along the very complicated process, the focus of some elected officials was diverted to special interest and bias.
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Let us be absolutely clear; we will not let the message of special interest groups dilute our mission of honoring our local Veterans of past, present, and future. While we appreciate the passionate and lively debate that this project has inspired in the community, we ask that future discussions be focused in a more positive and non-biased light.
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In a public project of this size, we realize that we cannot please 100% of the population. However, we will bend over backward for the more than 87% who publicly showed their support for honoring our Veterans.
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Our Foundation was born out of a United Council of Fourteen Veteran Service Organizations that has served the County for more than 100 years, and we would like to apologize directly to these organizations that have supported our mission from the beginning. We feel that you have been put through far too many public hearings where your stories of service, sacrifice, and loss have fallen upon ears deafened by personal agendas and political motivation.
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If the decision-makers, whose capacity was given to them by the people, would have truly listened, there would be no controversy surrounding the name of a venue meant to honor and hold these stories as sacred. Be assured that the Foundation hears you and this was one of the major factors that led to the decision to move the project to the City of Altoona.
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The Foundation is committed to completing this tribute in the spirit that it was started, as a proud legacy for our Veterans in the Chippewa Valley and beyond who served with honor. With an inclusive history of the men and women who are represented by diverse cultures, races, and creeds, we have many important stories to share with future generations - stories that honor the legacy of our Veterans and their families, whose sacrifices have made our community what it is today.
Events & News
Veterans Day
Come join us for a great day honoring our Veterans
Event Agenda (Subject to change)
2:00 Event Begins/Welcome Speech by Tim Sexton
Pledge of Allegiance
National Anthem
Invocation
Moment of Silence
Taps
Keynote Speech
Dedication of Legacy Stones
Reading of the Stones
Benediction
Closing Remarks
Foundation Update
We look forward to seeing you! Seats go quickly, so please feel free to bring your own lawn chair!
