The public is invited to the dedication of a new Veterans Memorial–the Veterans Memorial of Willow Springs–located at Willow Springs Garden, 5480 Hillcrest Dr., Wausau, on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.
Since 2001, Peggy and the late Dennis Griffin have been “Honoring families and creating traditions” at Willow Springs Garden, located about 11 miles south of Merrill just west of Hwy. K. Dennis thought it was also important to honor and recognize the service and sacrifice of local veterans and tried to incorporate that into public events at Willow Springs. He also had a dream of converting the northwest corner of the property into a veteran’s tribute, and he shared his vision with members of the Mar-Lin VFW Post 10203 in Hamburg.
Dennis had the location, a beautiful carved stone as a water feature, and an idea of how he wanted it to look. However, he was not sure how to incorporate these ideas into a tribute that would accurately honor local veterans, and sadly, he died on Sept. 5, 2021, after battling idiopathic liver disease, before the idea could become reality.
The Mar-Lin VFW Post 10203 took Dennis’s vision and are working to bring it to fruition. This Veterans Day, Willow Springs Garden and Mar-Lin VFW Post 10203 will hold a dedication ceremony at 11:00 a.m. at the tribute located near the historic Round Barn on the property.
The pads for benches, benches, water feature, and nine flag poles have been installed, and the initial phases of the project have been completed and funded by Willow Springs and Mar-Lin VFW Post 10203. But the tribute isn’t finished, and additional funds are needed to complete electrical, lighting, landscaping, and the water feature, and for labor and future maintenance. Businesses/corporations, families, and individuals can sponsor a particular branch of the Veterans Memorial on a “first-come” basis, and as of Oct. 31, the Army, Navy, Marines, and Space Force branches were available for sponsorship.
Donations will be accepted in any amount. However, to sponsor a bench, service flag, or flag pole and receive a recognition plaque, minimum donations of $2,000 are requested. Donations are tax deductible. Contact Jon Weiler at 715.350.1437 or [email protected] or mail a check payable to the Mar-Lin VFW Post 10203 to: Willow Springs Veterans Memorial, c/o Mar-Lin VFW Post 10203, 138783 Cty Hwy L, Hamburg, WI 54411.