Eternal Flame and Veterans Memorial Fund

On November 11, 1923, the people of Manitowoc County dedicated a distinguished monument, known as the Soldiers and Sailors monument, located in the City of Manitowoc, to observe Manitowoc County veterans who served the United States of America. At the dedication, Attorney E.G. Nash stated, “This memorial is presented in the belief that it will forever stand as a sentinel to remind us that our county never in vain called our countrymen to defend our flag.”

On Memorial Day, May 30, 1969, the Eternal Flame monument, located in the Soldiers and Sailors memorial, was dedicated and lit for the first time. This “flame of freedom” honors the Manitowoc County veterans who served our country and to those who continue to defend our freedom today.

On November 9, 1986, the Manitowoc County Veterans Memorial was dedicated joining the Soldiers and Sailors and Eternal Flame monuments to commemorate Manitowoc County veterans.

Through the years, maintenance of the monuments, particularly the Eternal Flame, was made possible through gifts from various devoted veterans organizations, the City of Manitowoc, grateful citizens of Manitowoc County, and a bequest from the Fannie Angus Healy Trust for its perpetual care.

To help assure that these memorials will “forever stand as a sentinel to remind us that our county never in vain called our countrymen to defend our flag,” the Eternal Flame and Veterans Memorial Fund was established through a common effort between the City of Manitowoc and Manitowoc County. To ensure its perpetuity, the Eternal Flame and Veterans Memorial Fund was created via a transfer of assets to the Lakeshore Community Foundation. If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the fund, please make your check payable to:

Eternal Flame Fund          
c/o Bank First          
P.O. Box 10          
Manitowoc, WI 54220          

If you would like to make a gift to the Fund including, but not limited to, securities, retirement assets, life insurance proceeds, or a bequest, please contact Lakeshore Community Foundation at 920.682.5222.