Fundraising effort launched for Norfolk Freedom Point Memorial
Community leaders in Norfolk are raising money to fund a patriotic project that will feature a 122-foot flagpole.
NORFOLK, Neb. — Community leaders in Norfolk are raising money to fund a patriotic project that will feature a 122-foot flagpole.
Big Bang Boom President Don Wisnieski and Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Austen Hagood are leading the fundraising effort for the Norfolk Freedom Point Memorial. The project involves the installation of the skyscraping flagpole, decorative bricks, granite benches and new landscaping at Skyview Park.
“(It’s meant) to honor all veterans that either have or are going to be serving, and a way for everybody in this community to be part of a really cool, patriotic 122-foot flagpole at Skyview Lake,” Wisnieski said.
Wisnieski and others first started working on the concept 15-18 years ago. Thomas Landkamer brought it back to his attention after last year’s Big Bang Boom. The pair thought it would appropriate to launch the project to have it coincide with Big Bang Boom’s 50th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.
The organizers say the flagpole will be among the tallest in the state. A 30x60 flag will fly on it.
“This thing should really be seen from miles away," Wisnieski said.
People and organizations can support the project by purchasing elements of it like benches and bricks. Three brick sizes are available: 12 by 12 for $500, 8 by 8 for $250 and 4 by 8 for $100.
“I’ve done a lot of capital campaigns and this is one of the more accessible ones to get in, help out, and also get a brick for you, your family or a service member you know,” Hagood said.
Wisnieski chose the 122-foot height because of a widely-shared national statistic that 22 veterans die every day from suicide.
The organizers say they have already made great progress toward reaching their $250,000 goal. They have a donation cutoff of mid-June to allow for the local contractor to install the flagpole.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us but this is a fun project that’s kind of near and dear to all of our here in Norfolk," Wisnieski said.
People can learn about donating by calling the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce, visiting the Chamber website, or inquiring in person at the Chamber, Elkhorn Valley Bank or at Lou’s Thrifty Way.
The Norfolk Freedom Point Memorial will be dedicated between the opener and the headlining act at the 2026 Big Bang Boom on July 4.