Foundations Bank’s commitment to the community includes honoring those who’ve served our country—and at the same time, helping Roland Perschon put his dream on solid ground.

The Veterans Memorial Bell Tower, to be built next to the bank’s new headquarters on Capitol Drive, just east of Highway 164, will include a kiosk with educational information on the Wisconsin military units that served in various wars. It will also house individual service histories, offering genealogists an important resource.

Foundations Bank is leading other local businesses in the formation of a not-for-profit organization to fund, own and maintain the memorial and tower.

“We want to honor those who made the ultimate gift, sacrificing their lives for our freedom,” says Greg Kolton, Foundations Bank president and CEO.

Perschon, a retired teacher and a bell ringing enthusiast, is also eager to introduce the sound of “change ringing bells” to Pewaukee. Such bells are rung by hand, in mathematical sequences called “changes.” There are only about 40 change ringing bell towers in all of North America.

In 1995, Perschon gave Pewaukee eight bronze bells, in honor of his parents. The bells weigh from 359 to 1,059 pounds and were cast in London, England, at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, makers of the Liberty Bell.

But the need for a tower stalled Perschon’s dream—until Kolton saw the opportunity to combine the bell tower with a veterans memorial.

Construction is to be completed by October 2008. The 43-foot-high tower’s open design will offer views of the eight bells as well as the people ringing them. Traditionally-striped bell ropes will be black and red to reflect Pewaukee’s school colors.

Says Kolton, “We encourage everyone in our community to show their support for our veterans, and to help create a true Wisconsin landmark.” Watch for details on fundraising, including your opportunity to buy a brick and have it inscribed with a veteran’s name.