CHICAGO, IL, June 14, 2006 ... The memorial to Adolf Hitler constructed by a Wisconsin farmer who claims he served in the German SS during World War II is "the sickening work of an unrepentant anti-Semite and Holocaust denier" that could become a place of pilgrimage for neo-Nazis, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

"We are outraged by this so-called memorial, which is an affront to Holocaust survivors, American veterans of World War II and decent people everywhere," said Lonnie Nasatir, Director of ADL's Upper Midwest Region.

ADL, which monitors and exposes extremism, is concerned that the shrine could become a place of pilgrimage for hate groups.

"We have already picked up chatter from white supremacists and neo-Nazis on racist Internet sites indicating their desire to visit the Hitler memorial," said Mr. Nasatir.

Ted Junker, 87, says he built the memorial on his property in Walworth County, Wisconsin, as a tribute to Adolf Hitler. Junker, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1955 and who claims he joined the German SS in 1940, denies the Nazis gassed anyone and praises the actions of the German dictator. The SS was directly involved in perpetrating the Holocaust and committed some of the worst crimes against humanity ever recorded.

ADL has been in contact with local government and law enforcement officials in Wisconsin about the issue.

"They share our concerns entirely, and we have expressed our full support as they work to address this situation," said Mr. Nasatir.