Like many Americans, Ron Wanek grew up with veterans from the Spanish American War, WWI, WWII and the Korean War. His grandfather served in World War I, eras when soldiers returning from war were celebrated as heroes.
“Then Vietnam came along, and there was a lot of disrespect for the military,” Wanek said. “That always bothered me, and I wanted to do something special for veterans.”
It inspired him to spearhead the creation of Soldiers Walk Memorial Park, in cooperation with the city of Arcadia, Wisconsin, as a tribute to veterans of all U.S. wars and conflicts from the Revolution to current times.
Though Wanek may be better known for his day job — he is the founder and chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries, the largest furniture manufacturer in the world — Soldiers Walk is his passion.
Experiencing Soldiers Walk
Memorial Park is situated on 54 acres of lush grounds in Trempealeau County, Western Wisconsin. Soldiers Walk — a tree-lined 500-meter path of monuments that cuts diagonally across the park — is a profoundly moving journey through American history.
Wanek designed the walk and — having sculpted as a hobby — actually created some of the clay models for most of the cast-bronze monuments on the walk.
Among his favorites are the statue of Theodore Roosevelt, whose presidency led to the rise of the United States as a world power, and the Pioneer Farmers monument inspired by his ancestors, who settled in this valley in the 1850s. A new monument honoring military nurses will be unveiled this August, a gift from benefactor Liz Gann.
One of the most popular bronze sculptures, the Pig and Donkey, was created especially for kids. But whatever your age, be sure to rub the pig’s nose for good luck.
Along the walk, you’ll also see a beam from the World Trade Center that was twisted in the attack on 9/11, as well as historic military equipment including an M48 Patton tank, an F-16A fighter jet and the legendary 155 mm howitzer.
Enjoy all the park has to offer — plus some very special events
The beautiful parkland surrounding Soldiers Walk is an idyllic place for an outing or picnic, and it also has softball fields, basketball, tennis and pickleball courts, an aquatic center and the Kids Kingdom.
The park also hosts some exciting special events.
You won’t want to miss the annual music and arts festival, Ashley for the Arts, Aug. 7 through 9. The nonprofit festival, launched by Wanek and his son, Ashley Furniture CEO Todd Wanek, includes an arts and crafts fair, plenty of family fun, great food, an amazing fireworks display — and performances by music megastars Brad Paisley, ZZ Top, Darius Rucker, Daughtry, Third Eye Blind, Neon Trees, Chris Janson and The Castellows.
Concert prices are a fraction of what you’d typically pay to see these performers, and festival proceeds help fund many significant causes.
“We’ve been able to generate over $4 million to support more than 70 nonprofit organizations, most of which are area school districts, children’s charities and medical research,” said Cole Bawek, vice president of public relations at Ashley Furniture.
Other events throughout the year include the veterans tribute Wreaths Across America and the Arcadia Broiler Days, which features North America’s largest indoor barbecue chicken pit.
Memorial Park is also a wonderful venue for private events — in fact Bawek’s own wedding reception was held at the Pavilion.
“This is a place where memories are created, but it’s also where you go to remember,” he said.
For more information about Soldiers Walk Memorial Park, visit soldierswalkmemorialpark.com.
