"I'm every Marine:" Serviceman at proposed veterans memorial site stirs emotions



GREENDALE (WITI) -- He would rather not share his name and rank. But one Marine made quite the statement in the Village of Greendale on Monday, November 10th.

"If they ask who I was, just say I said, 'I'm every Marine,'" said the serviceman. "Today's the Marine Corps' birthday. And you know, considering this is a memorial -- makeshift as it is, you know, I, I feel like I'm spending our birthday with my fallen brothers."

The Marine planned to spend ten hours on Monday at the intersection of Southway and Broad St. -- the proposed site of a Greendale veterans memorial.

"Everyone has been thanking me for my service, and saying, 'Semper Fi,'" said the Marine.

The Greendale School District owns the land -- and the Greendale Board of Education has voted against that particular site for the proposed memorial.

"I think an explanation is due as to why it hasn't happened. And I'd like to hear one or I'd like to see a memorial built," said the Marine.

The spot continues to draw people interested in honoring the sacrifices of U.S. servicemen and women.

The Greendale Board of Education says it remains firm in supporting a memorial. But it wants an alternative site selected. It's an idea which has some support of its own.

"Some people are not going to like me for saying that. But I think there's a lot of other areas in Greendale, even in the village itself, around the gazebo or in the village area, that something could be built as well," said Randy Fechtmeyer.

Since the proposed site is across the street from a school and a park, the Marine and others in support of that location say it's primed to provide children some education. Now they're just hoping for further consideration.

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