"Operation Renew:" Organizers hope to raise $1.5 million to revitalize War Memorial

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A "memorial" mission is underway along Milwaukee's Lakefront. Called "Operation Renew," it's a campaign to restore the War Memorial.

Organizers hope to raise $1.5 million -- saying the War Memorial has fallen into disrepair because of a lack of funding.

This renewal is about more than just restoring the War Memorial. Organizers say it's about honoring both the living and the dead.

"No other names of those who've died in the service to our country in places like Iraq and Afghanistan have been added since the Vietnam War. This will be corrected very soon," Army veteran and chairman of the War Memorial Board of Trustees Peter Pochowski said.

An eternal flame is also planned, as well as a renovated reflecting pool.

Renovations on the west side of the building have already been completed.