Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

November 18, 2009, Front Page

Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Veterans Day celebration held at High Ground

By Peter Spicer

The Highground honored veterans and their families with a Veterans Day celebration held during a sunny Wednesday, Nov. 11.  The Liberty Bell tolled to start the ceremony; the Neillsville Color Guard presented colors.  Little Miss Neillsville Samantha Kuhn led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Neillsville High School Choir members singing the “Star Spangled Banner.”  Captain Randal Johnson of Fort McCoy gave an invocation.

The Neillsville Color Guard presents Colors while Neillsville High School Choir members sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” Wednesday, Nov. 11, at The Highground’s Veterans Day Celebration

The Highground Volunteer General Manager Kirk Rodman welcomed a large number of attendees and introduced The Highground volunteer Bob Berglund, who read a poem titled “Our Country’s Heroes.”  The poem encouraged everyone to show gratitude and appreciation for veterans and also take time to visit veterans, who sacrificed for their country and risked their lives in many different military conflicts over the years.

David Hosking (far left) of the Madison Vet Center speaks to those attending.  Jennifer Gruba (center) and Tyrone Patterson (right), also of Madison Vet Center, addressed those attending as well.

David Hosking, Jennifer Gruba and Tyrone Patterson of the Madison Vet Center each spoke at the ceremony.  Each participated in the Tribute Ride held July 31, through Aug. 9 with Loyal resident Tom Kingsbury, who rode his bicycle 1,500 miles during the ride to raise money for a Persian Gulf Tribute at The Highground.

Kingsbury participated in the Tribute Ride to honor the 25^th anniversary of Vietnam Veteran Tom Miller’s ride and raise awareness of Vietnam and Persian Gulf Veterans.

Hosking stated he is proud of his job at the Madison Vet Center, which allows him to talk with veterans throughout the state.

Patterson, an Iraqi War Veteran and member of the U. S. Army Reserve, explained he learned a lot during the Tribute Ride.  He encouraged veterans who return home and are struggling with different issues to find someone to talk to.

Hosking then read a poem explaining how veterans allow everyone to enjoy their many freedoms.

The names of each Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm MIA and Iraq and Afghanistan KIA throughout the state were read.

Attendees participated in a talking circle and then enjoyed coffee, cider and cookies at The Highground.