Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

June 1, 2011, Front Page

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Veterans remembered

Captain Brian Barth (above) spoke at the Neillsville City Cemetery during the Neillsville VFW’s Memorial Day service Monday, May 30.  Stan Smith (below) directs the Neillsville High School Band for the final time at a Memorial Day service and will retire at the end of the school year.  He and his wife, Nancy, were recognized at the service.  (Photos by Peter Spicer/Clark County Press)

Neillsville-area veterans participate in a Memorial Day service that began at Neillsville’s O’Neill Creek Bridge.  Neillsville’s VFW held the service, which then moved to the Neillsville Cemetery. By Peter Spicer

The Neillsville VFW and The Highground both held Memorial Day services Monday, May 30, to honor military veterans who served the country.

Many Neillsville area residents gathered at the O’Neill Creek Bridge at Hewett Street and then traveled to the Neillsville City Cemetery to honor veterans.

Captain Brian Barth spoke at the cemetery and asked those attending to reflect on the principles that have made the country great.

Memorial Day is one of the oldest and most significant holidays, explained Barth, who added “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude” to those who served throughout the country’s history.

Barth discussed the sacrifice veterans have made over the past century from World War I to those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“May God Bless America,” Barth concluded.

Neillsville United Church of Christ (UCC) Pastor Bryan Olson gave the benediction. 

Judy Morrow, on behalf of the Neillsville Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, VFW and American Legion Post 73, recognized Stan and Nancy Smith – who will both retire from the Neillsville School District at the end of the school year – for always bringing the band to Memorial Day services each year.

“We wish [Stan and Nancy Smith] well,” concluded Morrow.

The Highground opened its Memorial Day Celebration with the Liberty Bell tolling and the Neillsville and Loyal American Legions presenting colors.

 Miles Voss led the Star-Spangled Banner; Chaplain Tom Shepard of Fort McCoy gave the invocation.

 Highground Volunteer General Manager Kirk Rodman welcomed those attending The Highground and introduced guest speaker First Lieutenant Lam D. Chu of Fort McCoy.

Memorial Day should be “a day of reverent celebration,” said Chu.

“Freedom is not free,” explained Chu.  “It has a cost.”

Americans should reflect on the values that created the backbone of the country, Chu stated.

Army values include loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage, said Chu.

Those serving the country helped secure safety and security for Americans, said Chu, who praised soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Despite progress made in Iraq, “our job isn’t done,” Chu explained.  “Terror will not rest. Evil will not die.”

However, Chu added “Compassion will prevail.”

With the sacrifices made to secure freedom, everyone should live and serve each day with passion, joy and enthusiasm, concluded Chu.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director Stan Gruszynski also addressed those attending and stated he was privileged and honored to be at The Highground.

The USDA has been part of The Highground for many years, said Gruszynski, who added “This is money well spent.”

Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, stated Gruszynski.

"Democracy does not come without a price,” stated Gruszynski.

Highground Volunteer General Manager Kirk Rodman (above left in eagle and flag shirt) welcomes United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director Stan Gruszynski (above to right of Rodman) to The Highground for a Memorial Day Celebration, held Monday, May 30, to honor military veterans who served the county.  Stan Gruszynski and First Lieutenant Lam D. Chu (in right photo above) of Fort McCoy addressed the large crowd attending and talked about the Memorial Day’s significance. (Photos by Peter Spicer/Clark County Press)