The City of Watertown will mark a historic milestone this Memorial Day with the official dedication of the permanent installation of a mobile replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on Monday, May 25, from 3 to 4 p.m. at Aero Park.
This nationally recognized traveling replica, modeled after the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. has spent years bringing remembrance to communities across the country. Its permanent installation in Watertown transforms the exhibit into a lasting memorial space, ensuring that the names inscribed on the Wall are permanently honored in a place designed for reflection, remembrance, and healing. The memorial stands as the largest Midwestern replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall north of St. Louis and represents one of the most significant veteran tributes in the region.
The dedication ceremony will open with a 3:00 p.m. flyover by an F-35, flown by pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Krueger, Air Force 378 Fighter Squadron Commander. Attendees will also see a static display of Blackhawk helicopters.
The National Anthem will be performed by Natalie Popp, Miss Wisconsin Teen 2025.
Keynote remarks will be delivered by Daniel J. Seehafer, the 2023–2024 Past National Commander of The American Legion. A Wisconsin native and ordained minister, Seehafer served as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve before decades of leadership within The American Legion at every level, including national chaplain and department commander. He continues to advocate for veterans and their families through the Legion’s “Be the One” initiative focused on preventing veteran suicide.
Distinguished guests include John Jagler, Wisconsin State Senator; William Petterman, Wisconsin State Assemblyman; and Robert Stocks, Mayor of Watertown.
Additional program participants include Barry Lawrence, engraver of the memorial wall; Gary Stueber, Commandant of Marine Corps League Detachment 349 and Co-Chairman of the event; Ryan Hepp of Jerry Hepp Excavating, project general contractor; and Stephen Zillmer, Commander of American Legion Post 189, Co-Chairman of the event and Chairman of Fundraising.
To accommodate anticipated attendance, a continuous shuttle service will operate from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Shuttle parking can be found at Glory Global, Griffin Armament, Innerpak, Watertown Municipal Airport, and the National Guard Armory. Handicap parking will be available both at Aero Park and at the National Guard Armory.
Street Closure: Boomer Street from River Drive to S. Twelfth Street for the duration of the event. Closure is expected to be from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026. Closure time is approximate and dependent on the safe entry and exit of guests present at the event.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Water will be provided onsite, and the event will proceed rain or shine. Guests are encouraged to allow additional time for arrival and shuttle transportation due to expected attendance levels.
The memorial will be open for viewing year-round, 24 hours a day, with overnight illumination ensuring it remains accessible at all times for reflection and remembrance.
To learn more about the project, visit Vietnam Memorial Wall – Watertown on Facebook