Memorial Wall
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The Memorial Wall next to Fergus Chapel gives families a quiet place to remember those who have gone before us. Created by Paul Poberezny to serve as a place where family and friends could honor their loved ones in dignity, the first ceremony was held at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 1989.
We are grateful to have these tributes as part of EAA's history and be a place where legacies are forever honored. Center to the Memorial Wall is a monument formed by thousands of stones from EAA members across the world, and bronze plaques are installed annually on the adjacent walls to remember those who have gone west.
We now are expanding this beautiful area and invite all members and chapters to bring a stone from their geographic location to the Memorial Wall during AirVenture. We will have collection bins placed next to the wall for stones ranging in size from softball to volleyball. Along with flowering plants, these special stones will create the centerpiece for this area.
A donation of $500 or more will secure a name and inscription on the wall's bronze plaque, including two lines of text with up to 28 characters/spaces per line. Traditionally, the first line is the inductee's name. Each inductee also is included in the Registry Album, with a photo and biography up to 500 words. Each family receives this album, EAA adds a copy to its collection, and one is on display in the Fergus Chapel during AirVenture.
The memorial wall also includes an annual dedication service. This heartwarming ceremony includes a poignant reading of inductees' names, a breathtaking missing man flight formation, and concludes with the playing of taps. A light brunch immediately follows the ceremony. All Memorial Wall 2020 inductees will be honored as a part of next summer's dedication ceremony at AirVenture 2021 on Sunday, August 1.
All Memorial Wall inscription submissions received now until April 20, 2021, will be for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021. Please email donor@eaa.org or call 800-236-1025 with questions.