WAUKESHA — In a scenic parkland not far from where the horrific attack occurred, people gathered to both honor those killed in the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade and erect a memorial statue commemorating the tragic event.

The Parade Monument in Grede Park has been under construction for almost three years, culminating on Thursday in a ceremony that evoked mixed emotions, precisely timed to coincide with the unveiling of Darrell Brooks Jr.’s SUV. First I tore the heart of the parade Among those addressing the crowd was a family member of one of the six people killed when Brooks’ vehicle crashed.

His words echoed the monument off the coast of Wisconsin and the St. Louis memorial in downtown Waukesha. It carried messages of past suffering and healing, including the creation of St. Paul’s streets.

“This monument is a reminder of our pain, heartache and loss, but it is also a testament to our unity, support, resilience and love,” Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly said in his opening remarks. he said. “This monument is one more symbol of what it means to be Waukesha Strong.”

The heart-shaped statue is a meaningful salute to the six victims (Tamara Durand, Wilhelm Hospel, Jane Kulich, Leanna Owen, Virginia Sorenson and Jackson Sparks) who died from their injuries. In his speech, Reilly stated that the heart consists of six stripes, and that these stripes represent “those precious lives that were lost” and come together to “point out how all of our lives are interwoven and remind us that it is our common heart that matters the most.”

Survivor speakers acknowledge their pain and the importance of recovery

Waukesha Catholic Community representative Lori Lochen, who was among the dozens injured in the 2021 parade, took her personal pain and turned it into a tool to dedicate herself to creating a lasting memory with positive emotions as a member of the Waukesha Parade Commemorative Commission. insinuations.

“Our goal was to create a memorial that thoughtfully honors the victims of the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy, provides an opportunity for reflection, and represents healing as a community,” Lochen said. “Months later, we reached that moment when we gathered.”

Still, he remembers the huge shock he felt when the headlights of Brooks’ SUV passed through the group of Dancing Grannies right behind him, knocking him to the ground. He regained consciousness in the now dark street, with many hands trying to communicate with him by covering him with blankets.

Taylor Kulich, who did not attend the parade that day, takes his grief out on his lost mother. The healing began when Lochen, whom she had never met before, comforted her almost a year later as they both listened to testimony during Brooks’ weeks-long trial.

“I was there by myself, and I was a complete mess, to be honest,” Kulich said, recalling uncontrollable tears. “This was still the worst day ever, and a complete stranger handed me a tissue and put his hand on my shoulder. Somehow I felt like my mother had something to do with it.”

Kulich and Lochen became friends because they served on the parade commission. Memorial continues to heal, she said Thursday, still trying to hold back tears as she described her mother’s qualities and how she shared “this infectious joyful energy and smile with everyone she came into contact with.”

“Her name was Jane, but she will always be ‘Mom’ to me,” Kulich said.

The six-month project included fundraising and efforts from Waukesha leaders

The massive memorial features elaborate landscaping, benches, a wall of customized tiles (created by community members as part of another fundraiser) and, most importantly, a heart-shaped statue surrounded by plaques for each of the six deceased victims.

The city of Waukesha, with the Community Foundation of Waukesha County as fundraising manager, organized efforts to honor those affected by the 2021 parade attack that injured more than 60 people. their focus two monuments in the city centerthe first of these dedicated to the second anniversary of the attack.

Fundraising for the larger $1.5 million Grede Park monument took time, but construction is finally complete We set out last spring.to put it on track for completion as planned.

Pewaukee-based VJS Construction Services LLC, which also made financial and in-kind donations to the project, was the lead contractor, working with a design originally conceived by Thrive Architects and modified to include ideas from the Waukesha resident and renowned artist. Carmen De La Paz.

As previously reported, both Thrive principal owner Jeremy Bartlett and VJS president and CEO Craig Jorgensen said their contributions represent their strong personal commitment to what the monuments represent.

Brooks continues to serve in prison multiple living conditions go after it October 2022 conviction. His long-awaited appeal against his conviction, it hasn’t happened yet. His attorney, Michael Covey, said Thursday that he and Brooks are seeking a fifth extension while they consider the details of their objections.

Contact reporter Jim Riccioli [email protected].

This article first appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Waukesha monument dedicated on anniversary of Christmas parade tragedy