Mission:
The War Memorial Center’s mission is to honor the dead and serve the living. We commemorate the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom while preserving and sharing the stories, experiences, and sacrifices of all veterans and their families.
The War Memorial Center is a place where heroes are honored, history is imparted, warriors find solace, and the community gathers. Through programs and events that commemorate service, foster understanding, and strengthen civic connection, WMC bridges generations and reinforces the shared values that sustain a free society.
History of the Organization
In 1951, General Douglas MacArthur articulated the vision for the War Memorial Center, stating, “It will be a fitting tribute to the valor and sacrifice of the American soldier, whose glory will be an imperishable reminder to all mankind of those deeds which preserved our liberties on the battlefields of the world.”
Guided by this vision, the War Memorial Center was dedicated on Veterans Day in 1957 and has honored service and sacrifice for more than 68 years.
The Center was conceived as a cultural and community gathering place dedicated to honoring Milwaukee County’s war heroes. This vision was championed by three local women’s organizations—Altrusa, the Business and Professional Women’s Club, and the Zonta Club—whose leadership ensured the creation of a living memorial serving both veterans and the broader community.
Designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen, a World War II OSS veteran, the building stands as a landmark of modern American architecture. Saarinen invited nationally recognized artist and World War II veteran Edmund Lewandowski to design the iconic west-facing mosaic façade. Composed of 1.4 million pieces, the mural marks the beginning and end dates of World War II and the Korean War, powerfully uniting art, architecture, and remembrance.
Built with private funds on county-owned land, the War Memorial Center was envisioned as a living memorial—honoring the dead by serving the living. Recognized in Wisconsin State Statute, WMC today operates with approximately 15% public funding, with the balance generated through private philanthropy, earned revenue, and partnerships. This public-private model ensures long-term stewardship of this treasured civic landmark.
Past Accomplishments
Honoring Veterans, Inspiring Communities
The War Memorial Center proudly serves as Wisconsin’s most prominent living memorial, honoring veterans and their families while inspiring civic pride and community engagement. Guided by its mission, WMC has made meaningful progress in restoring its historic campus, expanding educational outreach, and strengthening partnerships that support veteran well-being.
Building a Legacy of Service and Remembrance
More than a historic structure, the War Memorial Center is a vital community resource that impacts thousands of lives each year.
• A Hub for Veterans and Families: WMC serves as a central gathering place offering space for connection, reflection, and support.
• Community Recognition Events: Signature observances—including Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Purple Heart Day—honor service while educating the public about the cost of freedom.
• Collaborative Initiatives: WMC partners with veteran-serving organizations to address mental health, suicide prevention, benefits access, and aging.
• Leadership in Mental Health: As the primary partner of the Southeastern Wisconsin Veteran Mental Health Task Force, WMC leads regional awareness and prevention efforts.
Educating and Inspiring Future Generations
Through innovative programs and exhibits, WMC instills civic values and preserves veteran stories.
• Educational Outreach: Thousands of students and community members are engaged annually through interactive programs and exhibits.
• Operation Advance: Launched in 2022, this multi-year initiative enhances the visitor experience through new permanent exhibits highlighting Wisconsin’s Medal of Honor recipients and the stories of Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action.
Recent Activities
In 2025, the War Memorial Center advanced its mission through expanded education, historic commemorations, and preservation efforts, engaging more than 250,000 individuals through onsite, offsite, and digital programming.
A centerpiece of the year was the commemoration of the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, marked by the launch of the Defending Freedom exhibit, new digital lesson plans, a commemorative holiday ornament, and Present at the Creation, a partnership concert with the Wisconsin Philharmonic Orchestra.
Veteran mental health remained a core priority. Through a partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin, WMC supported a statewide firearm safety and suicide prevention campaign that generated 7,200 new users for the REACHOUTWIS website, delivered 14,166 PSAs valued at nearly $495,000, and reached more than 325,000 individuals across all 72 Wisconsin counties.
In 2025, WMC also launched the $18 million Preserving Our Future Campaign, raising more than $4.5 million in private support and securing a $5 million state grant to ensure long-term sustainability through endowment growth and infrastructure stewardship.
