ALMOST HOME. American Legion Wisconsin Post 53 is currently fundraising to purchase the "Stand for the Flag" statue, pictured above, which is displayed outside of their building in Eau Claire.

American Legion Wisconsin Post 53 has been part of the community for more than 100 years, holding its longstanding position at 634 Water St., Eau Claire, since 1964. In 2022, Post 53 was approached by Sculpture Tour Eau Claire about placing a statue outside of its headquarters. Now, Post 53 is hoping to be the artwork’s permanent home.

The statue, a bronze depiction of a disabled veteran, is titled “Stand for the Flag” and was created by South Dakota sculptors Lee Leuning and Sherri Treeby. The duo is also credited with creating several  other pieces in the Sculpture Tour, including “Hey, Mary Lou” (Eau Claire YMCA), “Granny’s Garden” (Phoenix Park), and “Maestro” (Barstow Street).

Brad Venaas, adjutant of Post 53, says it was a mutual idea between the organization and Visit Eau Claire to try to raise funds to keep the statue in its current place, since it aligns with the values of the organization. To purchase the statue, Post 53 must raise $50,000; since beginning fundraising efforts last summer, they have surpassed $15,000. Leuning and Treeby have offered to let Post 53 keep the statue out front for a couple more Sculpture Tour seasons as they continue to raise funds.

“We feel this is the perfect spot for the statue to remain as part of Eau Claire and as part of our family,” Venaas said.

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We feel this is the perfect spot for the statue to remain as part of Eau Claire and as part of our family.

brad venaas

American Legion Wisconsin post 53 adjutant

Venaas dubbed the fundraising effort the “Welcome Home Campaign” after noting the statue likely represents a veteran of the Vietnam War era, due to the uniform and equipment. He explained that “Welcome Home” was a common mantra during that time for soldiers. “(Vietnam veterans) pretty much lived their lives making sure no other soldier would ever come home and not be welcome,” Venaas said. “Which is also what the Legion is passionate about.”

After the purchase is complete, Venaas said Post 53 hopes to hold a celebratory party to thank all donors. But for now, their full focus is on the fundraising effort through community members, and hopefully some grants – though they’ve hit some obstacles due to the organization being a 501(c)(19) veterans’ service organization as opposed to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

“It's something that is probably difficult for people because, in their minds, it isn’t serving anyone,” Venaas said. “But in a way, it is, because it highlights where we are and hopefully reminds people of the importance of being respectful and saluting the flag.”

Cash donations or checks can be mailed or dropped off at Post 53 (634 Water St., Eau Claire). Any larger donations can be made by reaching out to Venaas at americanlegionwi53@gmail.com or by calling (715) 214-3510. Donations of $1,000 or more will be recognized on a plaque that will hang at Post 53.

American Legion Wisconsin Post 53 is open to the public and offers a full bar, BINGO, dart ball, and more. The Legion’s mission is to support veterans and their families in the community through programs and services.

Learn more about the American Legion at legion.org.