Features of the Memorial
Entrance
Two red granite pillars support a wrought iron archway which spans 10 feet. Incorporated into the archway is lettering that reads “Stoughton Area Veterans Memorial Park.”
Educational Pillars
Twelve red granite educational pillars feature historical information about significant military battles from the Civil War to current conflicts. The story of these conflicts is engraved with etchings, poetry, and historical fact to educate all who visit about the role of our veterans in preserving our freedoms and way of life.
Flagpoles
Eleven flagpoles stand 20 feet high and at the base of each a bronze plaque is inscribed with the donor’s names. The Memorial displays the flags of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine, the American flag, the flag of the State of Wisconsin, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion flags, and the black and white POW/MIA flag.
Benches
Forty-two gray granite benches line the promenade of the Memorial.
Pavers
Pavers line the area between the educational pillars. Most of the pavers, purchased by loved ones, are inscribed with the names of their veterans.
Centerpiece
The gray granite pentagon-shaped centerpiece is the focus of the Memorial. Inscribed with the names of 176 Stoughton-area soldiers, the centerpiece honors those who were killed in action dating back to the Civil War. Between the two caps and just above the base is a triangular blue granite piece with stars etched to symbolize the "Folded Flag of Honor" which is given to all veterans upon their death. Anchored to the top of the upper cap is a bronze eagle with 5-foot wingspan.
Black Granite Markers
Radiating from the centerpiece to five apexes are a series of black granite markers engraved with the names of more than 5,600 Stoughton-area veterans dating back to the Civil War.
Time Capsule
The black granite capsule is a tribute to all veterans. “In honor of all who served past, present, and future” is inscribed in the granite. The time capsule recognizes the virtues of Courage, Honor, Duty, Valor, and Sacrifice exhibited in the lives of our service men and women.
ongoing additions
Each year, just prior to Memorial Day and Veterans Day, new pavers honoring additional veterans are laid in the promenade, and new names are etched on to the wall of names.
The Memorial Endowment Area is a recent addition to the park. A minimum donation of $1000 purchases an inscribed 24-inch square paver. The inscription on the paver is the donor’s choice.