Racine Living Memorials

Racine County Veterans Support-Dedications

Racine area residents strongly support America’s Veterans through various local Veterans and Civic organizations. There are various Local groups (American Legion, VFW, AMVETS, Marine Corps League, etc) the Veterans Outreach program, Racine Veterans Center & Legacy Museum and the County Veterans Service Office, providing a wide range of services and tributes.

Circa 1947 – 1950

Fourth of July Parade Veterans – Float Armadas

Racine’s 4th of July, ranked one of the Top Ten in the Country by USA today is representative of the salute to Veterans with numerous “Living Memorial Floats”. The Marine Corps League Detachment #346 introduced the live statue format in 1946 with the Iwo Jima Memorial Float. Live MCL members are bronzed to reproduce and hold the stance of the flag-raisers, replicating the famous statue. 2021 will be the 75th Anniversary of the float.

Circa 2014 – 2019

War Nurses

In order to depict a true representation of a bronze monument statue, extensive preparation of proper era uniforms, bronzing the clothes and applications of bronzing make-up to each individual is a time consuming effort.

Float Riders remain frozen in their statue positions for up to two hours, with just a few breaks, during the entire 4th and Memorial Day parade routes. Dedication to detail is imperative in honoring the memory of these brave Veterans.