By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
TOMAHAWK – Ten years after reconstruction work was completed, Veterans Memorial Bridge in Tomahawk will feature new decorative plaques.
Organizer Bill Burcalow explained that when the bridge was built over the Wisconsin River in 2011, two-foot-by-two-foot square indents were added to the bridge abutments in anticipation of placing decorative black granite plaques in them. The plaques were purchased at the time the bridge was constructed, and the City of Tomahawk Common Council around the same time approved the placing of the plaques.
Area veterans groups have since been raising money to have the plaques engraved by Tomahawk Monument Company and placed on the bridge. One plaque will feature an eagle in flight, and the other will read “Veterans Memorial Bridge” within a laurel wreath, a symbol of triumph that has roots in Greek mythology.
Burcalow estimated that the plaques could be set in early May.
Along with money for the plaques, funds are also being raised for maintenance on the Lincoln County Veterans Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park in Tomahawk. Work to fix uneven stones and potentially increase the size of the memorial is slated to take place this spring, Burcalow noted.
The Lincoln County Veterans Memorial Fund, established through the Tomahawk STAR Foundation, has an account at Tomahawk Community Bank where donations can be deposited. To donate to the fund, visit Tomahawk Community Bank, 15 E. Wisconsin Ave., Tomahawk.