The Green Bay Exchange Club, a local service organization, Friday formally presented to the Green Bay Packers the area's newest Freedom Shrine. The display will be located in the Lambeau Field Atrium and available for all visitors to see.
The Freedom Shrine is a collection of original historic American documents photographically reproduced and attractively displayed in thousands of locations throughout the United States, including many area schools, the Brown County Courthouse and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
The purpose of the Freedom Shrine is to encourage young people to gain a deeper understanding of the events that took place in the building of America. The display will nicely complement the educational component of the Packers Hall of Fame, as well as be a noteworthy stop on Lambeau Field's popular stadium tours.
Packers Executive Vice President/COO John Jones accepted the display from Green Bay Exchange member Bill Bauknecht, who presented it in memory of his late parents, Victoria and Francis Bauknecht, both long-time members of the Exchange Club.
"The Freedom Shrine is an important educational addition to the Atrium and the Hall of Fame," Jones said. "Also, its message of faith, optimism and patriotism serves as an excellent reminder for all of us."
Vicki Vannieuwenhoven, the Packers' director of finance and a member of the Green Bay Exchange Club, worked with the group on the project and presented the Bauknecht family with a replica of a plaque that is included in the display honoring the donation.
