On November 21, 2021, during the annual Waukesha Christmas Parade, tragedy struck when a vehicle drove through the parade route, killing six and physically injuring more than seventy others. Hundreds of others were left with mental and emotional scars as they witnessed the horrific events that unfolded.
Since then, the community has come together as Waukesha Strong and continues to take steps toward healing, including working to create permanent memorials.
Parade Memorials
The Waukesha Parade Memorial Commission has selected the following designs for the Parade Memorial on Main Street and Grede Park:
The Waukesha Parade Memorials are a project born out of resilience, community strength, and the unwavering commitment to remember those we lost and support those who survived. The memorials will stand as a testament to our community's ability to come together in the face of adversity and to honor the memory of those affected by the tragedy.
In November, we dedicated the Main Street Parade Memorial (located on the east corner of the Five Points intersection). This memorial is a marker, near where the tragedy occurred. We are now working on completing the Parade Memorial at Grede, which will be a larger memorial with space for reflection, healing, and remembrance. The Parade Memorial at Grede Park is planned to include benches, a tile wall made up of tiles created by the community, plaques for each of the deceased victims, as well as sculptures. Your contribution will play a crucial role in helping us heal as a community and ensure that the memory of the tragic event is respectfully preserved.
Ways you can make a difference:
Monetary Contributions: Your financial support will directly contribute to the completion of the memorial, providing solace to those who have been affected by the tragedy. Donate (put link)
Spread the Word: Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to make a donation. The more people involved, the greater impact we can make as a united community
Your support is not just a donation; it is a gesture of solidarity, compassion, and a commitment to healing our community. Together, we can provide a lasting memorial that honors the lives affected by this tragedy and offers support to those who continue to cope with its aftermath.
As part of the Parade Memorial in Grede Park, it’s planned to have a wall consisting of 6"x6” clay tiles customized by community members. You have the opportunity to engrave a tile that will be installed in the memorial. The minimum donation required for each tile is $25, with proceeds going to the Parade Memorial Fund.
The next Community Tile Event will be at Friday Night Live on Friday, June 21, 2024.
Special thanks to artist Carmen De La Paz for coordinating this project!
Parade Memorial Commission
In January 2022, Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly established a Parade Memorial Commission. Read the project charter.
Commission Objective
Establish a location, commission a design, raise funds, and oversee the construction of a permanent memorial honoring the victims of the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy.
Commission Purpose
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.
Parade Memorial Commission Members
Gerald Couri, Owner, Couri Insurance - Chair
Alicia Halvensleben, City Council Member, representing Downtown
Elizabeth Moltzan, City Council Member, member of the Public Art Committee
Sandra Feller, Owner, Xtreme Dance
Jim Haakenson, Battalion Chief, Waukesha Fire Department
Alan Johnson, VP Critical Care and Specialty, Pro Health Care
Taylor Kulich, Daughter of Jane Kulich
Lori Lochen, Catholic Community of Waukesha
Donna Kalik, Dancing Grannies
Sheri Sparks, Mother of Tucker & Jackson Sparks
Dan Taylor, Owner, People's Park
Sonia Schneider, Police Specialist, Waukesha Police Department
Sarah Wehmeier-Aparicio, Waukesha School District
Meeting Agendas and Minutes
All scheduled meetings for the Parade Memorial Commission and any meeting minutes are posted on the City's website.
For any questions regarding the committee, please contact Rebecca Pederson, Communications and Engagement Manager at rpederson@waukesha-wi.gov or 1-262-524-3906.