PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. — Port Washington has started renovations on its unique veterans memorial, a 1:1 replica of Wisconsin's state pillar from the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The memorial at Coal Dock Park holds special significance for resident Tom Demler, whose father, Joe Demler, was an Army veteran who served in World War II and was a prisoner of war.

Joe Demler was the subject of a famous photograph taken after his liberation from a POW camp, when he weighed about 70 pounds.

"[I] just reflect on what it means to me, and what he did and what they all did," Tom Demler said.

Joe was instrumental in bringing the pillar to Port Washington more than a decade ago and was involved with the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight program.

The Demler family asked their friend, former

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