New Veterans Memorial in Hortonville

HORTONVILLE - It was four years in-the-making, but the people in Hortonville now have a Veterans Memorial of their own.

Village leaders dedicated the new monument a special Memorial Day ceremony Monday morning.

The Hortonville American Legion Color Guard led the way, past a brand new monument dedicated to all veterans.

"Hortonville now has a memorial to honor our servicemen and women who left our country to serve our nation in war and peacetime," said Andrew Gitter, Hortonville village president.

The $45,000 monument is being funded in-part by donations. People can buy a brick to honor veterans, or support the cause. Those names will join veterans' names carved in honor.

Don Parker has the honor of raising the American flag. He and his six brothers served in the U.S. Army and Marines.

"Patriotic, you got to give something back. That was our take," said Don Parker, Hortonville veteran.

"Let us always honor the memory of those brave soldiers who gave the supreme sacrifice so we may experience freedom in a country that is free," said Chuck Thorson, American Legion chaplain.

Traditional ceremony will compliment the new monument, as it stands guard over Veteran's Park.

"Yeah, I got a tear in my eye," said Parker.

"They did an awesome job. I got to give them a lot of credit," said Parker.

"Well it's just great. The veterans in the area definitely needed this," said Roger Mulroy, Hortonville American Legion.

People can take time at this park. Time to reflect, whether it's Memorial Day or not.

"I'll come down here quite often actually," said Janice Poole, Hortonville resident.

The village is about $15,000 shy of its fundraising goal. If you want to buy a brick for the monument, they cost $150.