Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

April 20, 2011, Page 11

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Highground holds season?s first Legacy Stone placement

The Highground held its first Legacy Stone Placement Ceremony of the year, on a snowy and windy Saturday, April 16.

However, the sun came out when the names of KIAs from Iraq and Afghanistan were read, which helped continue a 2003 Highground promise to read those names. Reading the names was a touching addition to the Highground?s Talking Circle.

Families enjoyed each other?s company and honored their loved ones, despite the weather. Special volunteers included master of ceremony, Cindy Boon of Neillsville, Skip Klabon of Colby, Diane Selle of Altoona and Rory Schuette of Altoona.  The Highground staff and visitors thanked them for their dedication.

Highground supporters gathered to honor their loved ones with the first ceremony of the year.  Many traveled a long distance to be at The Highground.  Two American Legion Color Guards and firing squads attended from Omro and Marathon, adding a wonderful touch to the ceremony.

Bernice Gokey of Colby placed a special stone.  She honored her late husband, Vane, and had a nice gathering at the Learning Center with family and friends.  Some came from Madison to honor Bernice and Vane Gokey and share a special day. 

Ed ?Mad Dog? Krause of Athens received a surprise birthday gift.  His family and friends, joined in Ed?s celebration, thanked him for his sr4vice to the nation and wished him a happy birthday.

Stone Placement Ceremonies are scheduled each month through October.  Call The Highground at 715-743-4224 for more information. 

Bernice Gokey of Colby (holding stone) joins family and friends to honor her late husband, Vane, with a Legacy Stone Saturday, April 16, at The Highground?s first Legacy Stone Placement Ceremony of the year.

Ed ?Mad Dog? Krause of Athens holds a Legacy Stone he received as a birthday gift from family and friends, who pose with him.  (Contributed photos)