MADISON (WKOW) -- The "Remembering Our Fallen" from Wisconsin photo exhibit was unveiled Sunday at the Capitol building rotunda. The exhibit is a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by almost 130 fallen who called Wisconsin home and were killed while serving our country in Afghanistan or Iraq.
"He I think felt this was a way for him to give back to a country that meant so much to him," said Jan Altmann of Marshfield. Altmann's son, SSG Joseph Altmann, was killed in Afghanistan on December 25, 2011. "In the 27 years that he lived, he never missed the opportunity to try something new," Altmann said proudly standing next to her son's picture.
Photos of the men and women are reminders of the years of conflict in the Middle East. They also inspire a sense of pride in their families, friends and country.
"He was born to be a soldier, there's no doubt about it, from the time he was that high, all he talked about, lived, eat and breathed was military," Mary Ann Coleman said about her grandson. SPC Chad Coleman of Franklin was killed at just 20 years old. "He wasn't scared to die for his country," she said about her fallen grandchild.
Loved ones filled the Capitol Rotunda Sunday to photograph, write messages and remember those they lost. The display opened to the public after a private viewing.
"It's an opportunity to bring their faces to the public and honor them," said DryHootch founder Bob Curry. Curry also said the exhibit puts a human face on the sacrifice.
The "Remembering Our Fallen" from Wisconsin exhibit be on display through July 16. It will then begin a state tour.
If you would like to host the display, you can find out more at rememberingourfallen.org.
