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Veterans Park

The Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation has developed a plan to create a lasting tribute in the Chippewa Valley—a place where flag holidays can be honored and celebrated. This park will serve as a space for reflection, a symbol of community pride, and a living tribute that preserves the history and sacrifices of our veterans.

 

The park will:

  • HONOR those who have served in the military to protect our freedoms

  • EDUCATE the younger generation of the sacrifices made by those that came before them

  • REMEMBER the comrades they lost in battle and share the stories of victories and loss

A Heros Welcome

Across the country, many veterans’ tributes and memorials feature custom artwork at their entrances, offering a meaningful welcome to visitors. The Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation has chosen Old Abe, the legendary War Eagle and mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, to symbolize the military history and enduring spirit of the Chippewa Valley.

From 1861 to 1864, Old Abe and the 8th Wisconsin Infantry participated in more than 30 battles and skirmishes. Despite a Confederate bounty on his head, Old Abe survived the war and returned to Wisconsin, where he lived out his days in a specially built apartment at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison.

Old Abe embodies the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of all Wisconsin and Chippewa Valley servicemen and women. With great local and national pride, we have adopted Old Abe and the 8th Wisconsin Infantry as the centerpiece of our Welcome Home monument, greeting all who visit the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OLD ABE
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Old Glory

Old Glory has become a beloved local landmark, proudly marking the site of the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute in Altoona’s beautiful River Prairie Park. We are honored that the community has embraced this magnificent American flag, which stands tall along Highway 53 as a symbol of pride and remembrance.

Measuring an impressive 40’ x 80’ and weighing approximately 60 pounds, the flag faces constant exposure to Wisconsin’s harsh weather. Even with the most durable materials, it requires repairs multiple times a year and, eventually, full replacement. A new flag costs $6,000, while annual maintenance for the flagpole mechanics exceeds $1,000 to ensure peak functionality. If major repairs are needed, costs rise significantly due to the specialized parts and expertise required.

We are committed to keeping Old Glory in pristine condition and in full compliance with U.S. flag code. Maintaining this tribute requires ongoing financial support, and we rely on donations from local organizations, businesses, and the community to keep this powerful symbol flying high.

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Flag Retirement

The LaMoyne K. Jevne Flag Retirement Station will serve as both an educational resource and a dedicated space for the proper retirement of American flags collected from across the country. Generously funded by U.S. Navy Veteran LaMoyne Jevne, this meaningful addition to the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute is set for unveiling in 2023.

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Tribute Mall

At the heart of the tribute, a large star featuring the Eau Claire County seal will serve as a focal point. Surrounding it, granite benches, military flags, and sentinel statues will create a space of honor and reflection, paying tribute to those who have served.

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Legacy Stones

Legacy Stones are located west of the mall, honoring veterans with gray granite stones and those killed in action with red granite stones.

What do the coins mean? The tradition of leaving coins on headstones became widespread in the U.S. during the Vietnam War. At a time when the country was deeply divided, veterans used this gesture as a silent way to pay their respects without directly contacting the fallen soldier’s family. The coins symbolized a “down payment” for a future reunion—perhaps to share a drink or a game of cards in the afterlife.

In keeping with this tradition, the coins left on Legacy Stones are collected and contributed to the general fund for the Veterans Tribute.

  • A penny means you visited.

  • A nickel signifies you trained together at boot camp.

  • A dime means you served together.

  • A quarter signifies you were present when the soldier was killed.

This time-honored custom ensures that the sacrifices of our heroes are never forgotten.

PURCHASE A LEGACY STONE
LOCATE A STONE IN THE PARK
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Gold Star Families +
Welcome Home

The title of Gold Star Family is reserved for those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. It recognizes not only the service member’s ultimate sacrifice but also the profound grief, strength, and resilience of their family.

Today, only 1% of Americans serve in the military, a stark contrast to 12% during World War II—yet Gold Star Families remain more common than many realize. Since 9/11, more than 7,000 service members have lost their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, and an additional 16,000+ have died in non-combat-related circumstances.

The last Sunday in September is recognized as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, a time to honor those who continue to carry the weight of this loss. Each year, we hold a Gold Star Ceremony to pay tribute to these families and ensure their loved ones' sacrifices are never forgotten.

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