The Welcome Home Statue, fully funded by American Phoenix, Inc., honors past, present, and future veterans who have served honorably in both peacetime and wartime.
Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute
The Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute is more than a monument; it’s a living promise. Built by local hands and hearts, this sacred space honors the courage, service, and sacrifice of the men and women from our region who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.
Nestled along the Eau Claire River in River Prairie, the tribute was designed to unite veterans, families, and visitors alike in a shared moment of gratitude. It stands as a reminder that freedom is not free, and that the stories of those who served deserve to be remembered, retold, and celebrated for years to come.
Each year on Memorial Day, the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation hosts a special ceremony to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the veterans who continue to serve our country. At River Prairie Park, the community gathers for the dedication of legacy stones, benches, and the Welcome Home Statue, a powerful symbol of honor, healing, and hope.
What You'll Find
Tribute Mall
At the heart of the tribute mall, a large star featuring the Eau Claire County seal serves as a focal point. Surrounding it, benches, military flags, and sentinel statues create a space of honor and reflection, paying tribute to those who have served.
Veterans Tribute Trail Stops
The tribute trail spans across the shore of the Eau Claire River and features 14 tributes that honor historical military events. These exhibits include the Civil War, Spanish-American War, Philippine-American War, World War I, World War II, Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Iraq War, and Afghanistan War. To see the complete map of exhibits along the trail, click here.
Old Glory
Old Glory is a signature landmark of River Prairie and greets all of its visitors passing by. This gorgeous, pristine flag measures 40' x 80' and weighs approximately 60 pounds. As a symbol of pride and remembrance, Old Glory faces Wisconsin's harsh and versatile weather conditions year after year.
Legacy Stone Fields
Legacy Stones sit in the Veterans Tribute honoring individual veterans and those missing or who lost their lives in action. There's a tradition of leaving coins on headstones, and you'll often times find coins placed on Legacy Stones as a silent way to pay respects. A penny means you visited, a nickel signifies you trained together at boot camp, a dime means you served together, and a quarter signifies you were present when the soldier lost their life.
Gold Star Mother
Gold Star Family is reserved for those whose loved one has died in the line of duty, and the statue acknowledges not just the sacrifice of the fallen but also the strength, sorrow, and resilience of the surviving family.