Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Rogalski, Weiler, Lucht, Yurkovich, DeBock, Klabon
----Source: Thorp Courier, (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 5/08/2013
Highground Holds legacy Stone Ceremony (Honoring Several -13 April 2013)
On Saturday, April 13, the first stone placement of 2013 took place at The Highground. The weather could not deter the warm spirits of those in attendance for this sold-out ceremony. With the Central Lutheran School Una Voz Choir from St. Paul, MN leading the honorees and guests in a wonderful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, hearts were touched by their voices. The American Legion of Loyal Post #175 and American Legion of Thorp Post #118 brought their color guards, rifle squads and bugler, adding even more to the memorable ceremony.
Individual settings and large family groups opened the central Hallway of The Highground plaza. The Rogalski brothers placed eight stones in the first row, with the Weiler generations present placing nine stones-an awesome beginning to the stone dedication “season!” David Lucht received a stone from his family with his American Legion Post #175 present. Valentine Yurkovich, WWII veteran, received the honor of a stone from his family. The “rest of his story” can be read in the Registry book located in the Learning Center Library.
Quite a few gathered for the “talking circle” even as snow came down upon the group. Friends, family and guests spoke words of thanks and praise for the stone recipients and the beautiful park The Highground has become over the years. Andrew Weiler, Billy DeBock and Skip Klabon stood and saluted on behalf of the Wisconsin KIA’s, whose names were read, and the replica Liberty Bell tolled during the talking circle.
Visitors had the opportunity to visit The Learning Center exhibit “Vietnam Graffiti” displaying the USS Walker’s bunk canvases of young American Soldiers and Marines going to Vietnam during the 1960s. Their stories reflect the attitudes and events during a turbulent decade of our nation’s history. This exhibit will be open through May.
The Highground is a place for all of us—a place—for healing and education. The support of all is much appreciated.
Stone Placement Ceremonies are scheduled each month now through October. (May and June ceremonies are now full, but openings are available for July through October.) Contact The Highground at 715-743-4224 for more information.
This article provided by Todd Schmidt of The Clark County Press.
