This resolution honors the victims and recognizes the resilience of the Waukesha community following the devastating 2021 Christmas parade attack.
Scott Fitzgerald
Representative
WI-5
This resolution formally honors the six individuals killed in the tragic 2021 Waukesha Christmas parade attack and recognizes the 62 injured. It acknowledges the Waukesha community's resilience and ongoing efforts to memorialize the victims. The resolution also commends the dedicated work of first responders and health professionals following the devastating event.
House Resolution Honors Six Victims and Community Resilience in Waukesha Christmas Parade Tragedy
This resolution is purely about recognition and remembrance, focusing on the devastating attack that occurred during the Waukesha, Wisconsin, Christmas parade on November 21, 2021. It serves as an official acknowledgment of the tragedy, naming the six individuals killed—Virginia Sorenson, Tamara Durand, LeAnna Owen, Jane Kulich, Wilhelm Hospel, and Jackson Sparks—and noting the 62 people injured.
The Official Record of Loss and Healing
Unlike legislation that changes laws or allocates funding, this resolution is a formal statement from the House of Representatives. It doesn't create new rules, but it does solidify the tragedy and the community's response into the official record. For the families and the Waukesha community, this is a significant step in having their loss and subsequent resilience formally recognized by the federal government. It offers deep sympathy to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who died, fulfilling a crucial role in governmental acknowledgment of profound community grief.
Documenting the Community’s Strength
One of the most notable aspects of this resolution is how it meticulously documents the community’s healing process and memorial efforts over several years. It specifically mentions the blue lights displayed by homes and businesses two weeks after the attack, which was a spontaneous, widespread sign of solidarity. It also tracks the timeline of permanent memorials, citing the mural unveiled in September 2022, the parade memorial on Main Street in November 2023, and future memorial dedications planned for Grede Park in November 2024 and November 2025. This detail shows that the resolution is not just about the event itself, but about the long, difficult process of recovery.
Applauding the Front Lines
The resolution also takes time to formally applaud the life-saving work of the first responders and health professionals who cared for the victims. In the chaos of an emergency, these professionals often work thanklessly, and this official recognition is a nod to their courage and dedication. Furthermore, the resolution recognizes the entire Waukesha community for demonstrating “exceptional resilience, courage, and strength.” For the residents of Waukesha, this resolution is a formal affirmation that their efforts to overcome this tragedy are seen and valued.