Nearly 50 years after his death, and a decade of hard work, there is now a permanent spot to remember a hometown American hero.

Hundreds gathered to dedicate the Lance P. Sijan Memorial Plaza outside General Mitchell Airport Friday morning.

Governor Scott Walker was one of a handful of speakers. Walker also proclaimed Friday May 26, 2017: Lance P. Sijan Day across the entire state of Wisconsin.

The plaza has been in the works since 2008. There are benches and a garden surrounding the  F-4C Phantom Jet, similar to the one flown by Sijan before his plane crashed in 1967 in Vietnam. 

He survived, but was eventually captured.  He died in a POW camp in 1968.

The new plaza represents a symbol of courage, sacrifice and leadership.

"A true soldier does not fight because of what's in front of him, but because what he loves is behind him. Sijan Plaza is tangible evidence of what the power of faith and stewardship can do," said Jenine Sijan, Sijan's sister.

Jenine Sijan recently told CBS 58 that the plaza is more than just a memorial for her brother. It’s a memorial for all those who have served.

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