The Highground Memorial holds great significance as a place of remembrance, gratitude and education.”

Ashley Gay

The sun shone bright for the Memorial Service held at Riverside Cemetery on May 27. The program began with the Owen-Withee High School band and the procession of Owen-Withee Veterans, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. O-W Vets Club Commander Denny Henke welcomed those gathered.

Terry Rohland spoke about his recent Honor Flight trip and encouraged other Veterans to consider signing up for the trip. On May 19 his group stayed in a Wausau hotel and was given a meal and a program said Rohland. “You get to the airport five o'clock Monday morning,” he explained, “and 104 of us were there plus guardians and there was a medic on board for a two-hour flight to DC. For those of you that are wheelchair bound or are a little questionable about if you could go or not, they have everything there for you. People will help you out. So don't be afraid if you know anybody that might want to go.” He went on to say they toured all the memorials in DC and he was especially impressed with the World War II Memorial in which all 50 states are represented.

Ashley Gay, the O-W Vets Club Scholarship winner gave a patriotic speech about the significance of the Highground Memorial in Neillsville.  She concluded by saying, “The Highground Memorial holds great significance as a place of remembrance, gratitude and education. Through its walls of honor, meditation garden, educational exhibits, collaborative events, it serves as a powerful tribute to the soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War. It provides a space for reflection, healing, and honoring the sacrifices made by these brave soldiers.”

Following Ashley’s well worded essay, the crowd heard a selection from the OWHS band.

Curt Garrett then presented Dr. Edward Sluzewski an award for 60 years of continuous service to the American Legion. As he was given the plaque Henke remarked that 60 years is a long time to serve and that he is proud to be in the same organization as Ed.

Boys State Representative of 2023 Wyatt Wulff, son of James and Naomi Wulff, stepped to the podium to read In Flander’s Field, a poem that reflects on the soldiers who died in World War I and encourages the living to honor the dead.

Badger Girl from Owen American Legion Auxiliary 123, Ashley Gay, daughter of Nick and Desiree Gay, talked to the crowd about her experience at Badger State last summer. The other Badger Girls not present were Paris Ackerman, daughter of Doug and Polly Ackerman, and Makayla Gorka, daughter of Kelly Beski.

All rose for the playing of the National Anthem which was then followed by the salute to fallen comrades by the O-W Vets Club and Owen American Legion. After the rousing salute, Chaplain Larry Herington bowed his head, read the American Legion Prayer and placed the ceremonial poppy wreath on the headstone of a local veteran.

 Riverside fell silent as Taps was played by Ryan Gutsch and Maddie Mueller.

Commander Henke brought the program to an end as he expressed gratitude for all who came to honor Veterans lost and invited the public to a potluck at the O-W Vets Club.