For Immediate Release
(202) 224-5653

MOORE, KOHL LAUD MILWAUKEE SOLDIERS' HOME HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION

Milwaukee, Wis. -- Today, U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) and Senator Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) lauded Interior Secretary Ken Salazar's designation of the National Soldiers Home Historic District as a National Historic Landmark.

There are currently about 2,500 sites nationwide with this designation, which brings technical advice for preservation. Earlier this month, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named the National Soldiers Home Historic District as one of the most endangered historic places in the country.

Congresswoman Moore said, "Veterans, preservationists and many others have been fighting for years to help preserve these national treasures right here in Milwaukee.  This is fantastic news, and I thank Secretary Salazar for this designation.  I look forward to continuing work to see that these buildings are preserved as part of Wisconsin's legacy."

Senator Kohl said, "The Soldiers Home in Milwaukee is the birthplace of our nation's federal veterans care, established at the end of the Civil War.  This site is a testament to the long and proud tradition for serving our veterans in Wisconsin."

Earlier this month, Moore requested a report for the Veterans Administration on its plans rehabilitate and reuse aging and outdated buildings within its infrastructure.  She has been working with preservations and veterans group in support of this designation and has also successfully fought to ensure that these buildings and the grounds around them can only be used to serve our veterans.