Waukesha breaks ground on newest, largest parade memorial

WAUKESHA (CBS 58) -- Today in Waukesha, the city broke ground on a new memorial at Grede Park that will honor the victims and survivors of the 2021 Christmas parade attack.

The community has donated thousands of dollars to the project, and construction is scheduled to begin soon.

It was an emotional day for many, but an important one, as the city broke ground on what will be the largest and most visible memorial to the victims and survivors.

David Sorenson is the husband of Virginia "Ginny" Sorenson, who died in the attack. He told us Wednesday, "I'm getting along. It's tough. Just have to take it day by day."

Sorenson says he's doing ok, but thinks about his wife often.

Wearing a sweatshirt with her name on it, David grabbed a ceremonial shovel to help break ground on the memorial. When completed, it will honor his wife and the five other people who died as a result of the attack.

Sorenson said, "I felt part of the building that's going on."

Pastor Emeritus Patrick Heppe was injured in the attack, waking up days later in the hospital. He helps others heal, as he heals himself.

Pastor Heppe said Wednesday, "Years down the road there might be something that triggers it. And if something triggers it, they need to know where they can go."

At Wednesday's ceremony -and every parade-related event- the city had tables set up with professionals offering mental health resources.

Pastor Heppe said the city of Waukesha continues to care for its people. "A good shepherd walks behind, as well, and picks up the strays and makes sure nobody is lost. That's Waukesha."

Many of the companies involved in this process -the architects, construction companies, and more- have donated much of their time to the project. Already they have reached their fundraising goal, with private donations reaching the thousands.

The fundraising target was more than $1 million. Organizers say contributions ranged from $10 to $75,000, and each of them was important.

The Waukesha community helped a memorial committee pick the design.

Melissa Baxter, of the Waukesha County Community Foundation, said, "As soon as the tragedy happened, it was all about hearts. And we have hearts in this memorial and also the one on Main Street."

Just like the smaller memorial downtown, hearts will be prominent to create a space for reflection, healing, and remembrance.

Jeremy Bartlett, of Thrive Architects, told the crowd, "These six anchored areas of reflection represent the start of a life journey."

Builders say there will be lots of action over the next six months as construction ramps up.

Many people, like David Sorenson, say these efforts and these honors make a difference. "I tell you, I really appreciate it. And so does my wife, I'm sure."

Right now, the project is scheduled to be completed by Nov. 21 of this year, which will be the third anniversary of the attack.