A famous World War II era duck that lived under a bridge in Milwaukee, WI, will soon be nesting in bronze. A $15,000 statue of Gertie the Duck, donated by a local architectural firm, will be placed on the Wisconsin Avenue Bridge.

For some reason, Gertie was a symbol of hope to war weary people around the world. In the spring of 1945, as Hitler blew his brains out in a Berlin bunker, Gertie hatched six chicks among the bridge's wooden supports. While American scientists secretly toiled with final atomic touches on bombs destined for Japan, Gertie lovers sent gifts of food and greeting cards to the plucky duck and her family. Long after the last bridge across the Rhine had fallen, the Wisconsin Humane Society continued its daily sentry post on Gertie's bridge. [10/04/1997]

February 10, 2012