Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

June 3, 2009, Page 11

Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon

The Highground

Memorial Day Celebration

“Remembering their Sacrifice”

Contributed photos

The Highground was a popular place on Memorial Day with hundreds in attendance for the ceremony.

This was Memorial Day, a national holiday, a three-day weekend and a chance to come to the Highground. Hundreds did come to honor those who served their country and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that everyone may be free.

The Neillsville VFW honored veterans with their rifle salutes.  Flags were flown at half-staff in observance of Memorial Day.  Attendants sang the National Anthem and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

As a part of every ceremony at The Highground, the names wee read and the replica of the Liberty Bell was rung for every Wisconsin soldier killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  “Let Them Not Go In Silence.”  It is The Highground’s way of remembering the most recent of American Heroes.

As a part of this special day, Volunteer General Manager Kirk Rodman and sculptor Michael Martino unveiled the statuary in the Fountain of Tears as it was dedicated in the Meditation Garden.  The GI stands tall overlooking the pond of tears where the fallen soldier’s wife and child sit.  Martino spoke about “Some Old Vet” by saying:

So some old vet has touched our lives

Like those who gave up theirs too young

Even the ones we never met

All those who didn’t become “some old vet.”

A plaque was presented to Kirk and Nancy Rodman for their years of dedication and commitment to The Highground.

The Highground is a place of healing and dedication, a place for everyone.