April 24, 2025

By Lane Kimble

MADISON, Wis. — The drone of bagpipes playing “Amazing Grace” echoed off the buildings around Madison’s Capitol square Thursday afternoon.

Behind the players, about 100 people slowly walked in a solemn procession toward St. Patrick’s Church a few blocks away.  The group was made up of construction workers from various trades, honoring the lives lost in the industry during the past year.

It marked the 10th annual Construction Workers’ Memorial service, presented by the Construction Business Group and the Wisconsin Building Trades Council.

“We’re all brothers and sisters in construction,” said president business manager Operating Engineers Local 139 President Terry McGowan told WISC-TV.

“Many of the families of these fallen construction workers will be present, and we think that’s important because we want the families to know that their loved ones aren’t forgotten,” said McGowan.

Two construction workers and eight people in cars died in work zone crashes in Wisconsin in 2024.

Thursday’s crowd included family members of work zone crashes and other construction-related victims.  A handful of WTBA member companies and organizations joined the march and following church service.

WTBA extends its deepest sympathies to family and friends of the victims and salutes organizers’ overall goal: to one day not have to hold a memorial walk because everyone made it home safely.