The American Legion’s 100th anniversary is saluted Thursday through Sunday (Sept. 4-8) in a special state Celebration of Freedom at Veterans Memorial Field (Columbia County Fairgrounds) in Portage, Wis.
The Wisconsin American Legion Foundation, Inc., is bringing in the American Vietnam Traveling Tribute Wall, the 100-Year Centennial Chronology of The American Legion, the Greatest Legislation display on the history of the GI Bill, musicians, vendors, games for families, food, beverages and more. Activities get underway Wednesday at 3 p.m. when the traveling Vietnam Wall is escorted by American Legion Riders and local first responders to the field, located at 300 Superior Street in the headquarters city of the Department of Wisconsin, where it will be prepared for public display Thursday.
The wall will be open to the public for round-the-clock viewing mid-day Thursday through Sunday at 3 p.m. A blessing of the Wall by American Legion members from the Ho Chunk Nation highlights opening ceremonies is Thursday at 3 p.m.
Food and beverages are available all day Friday, which is capped with a concert by musician Chris Kroeze, who placed second on NBC’s “The Voice” in 2018. Tickets for the Chris Kroeze performance are $20 and can be purchased onsite or online here.
Audience members need to bring their own seating.
Saturday, the games begin. Kickball, corn hole, vendors, exhibits, a beverage tent by Post 47, and two 45-minute concerts by The Memories – 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. – fill the day, followed by an evening rock concert by Conscious Pilot. Tickets for the Conscious Pilot show are $20 and can be purchased onsite or online here. Audience members need to bring their own seating.
Sunday at 9:30 a.m., a POW/MIA ceremony will be conducted at the Wall, followed by a 10 a.m. POW/MIA Silent March led by Wisconsin’s 2nd District.
The event is produced by the entire American Legion Family of Wisconsin – The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion and American Legion Riders.
The event is being hosted by The Wisconsin American Legion, Inc. – a nonprofit 501 C3 organization. All proceeds help fund American Legion Department of Wisconsin programs and services for veterans, military personnel, youth and communities.
Visit https://wilegion.org/ for more information.
