Grafton Visitor’s Center

The Veteran’s Memorial is located at the Grafton Visitor’s Center, using the limestone bluffs to replicate the cliffs of Point du Hoc in Normandie, France. Life-sized bronze statues of U.S. Army Rangers are a permanent exhibit along the bluff, replicating the climb they endured to reach the top of the cliffs.

This Memorial honors all who have served. It will support educational events designed to foster an enhanced historical, patriotic perspective and its impact on world events past, present, and future. The NMMA will ensure that the Memorial serves as a place of solemn reflection where visitors can come to learn about, honor, and never forget the sacrifices of the military men and women who served our country.

Phase 2: The museum will include interactive displays where visitors learn about the Vietnam war and learn about the connection Grafton has.

The Museum will focus on Grafton’s large percentage of Vietnam Veterans and will feature the history of the STAB Boat.

In 2025, John Jadwinkski donated one of twenty two of the few remaining STAB (strategic assult boat) Boats that were commissioned for use during Vietnam. These boats were designed and built right here in Grafton, IL at the Historic Boat Works in 1968.