Neillsville Chamber of Commerce Recognition Banquet, Anniversary Honors: The Highground, 30 Years
Monday, February 16th, 2015 -- 11:56 AM
-The Neillsville Chamber of Commerce recently held their Recognition Banquet at the Neillsville American Legion.The next winner of the Anniversary Honors was The Highground for 30 years in business. Dr. Greg Foster, the awards presenter for the evening, explained how the tribute began.
He said, "What began in 1964 as a vision in the mind of Marine Tom Miller, who survived his tour of duty in Vietnam, now stands overlooking the Kettle Moraine west of Neillsville. Incorporated in 1984, The Highground has evolved into a veteran's memorial park that pays tribute to the dead and honors the survivors, their service and their sacrifices. It also pays tribute to the people who supported them when they were away and upon their return. The park, which is open 24/7, supports a paid staff of 7 people and encompasses 155 acres with tributes to Vietnam Veterans, Women Veterans, Native American Vietnam Veterans, World War I Veterans, World War II Veterans, Korean Veterans and more."
Kirk Rodman, Volunteer General Manager at The Highground, and Board Member Bob Barth thanked the many people that help make The Highground possible.
Kirk said, "We have 11 other people all over the mid-west that help run and direct the business. Thanks to them, that tribute out there has held to what these guys first started and put together, a beautiful tribute to our veterans. Today, in our community, we serve those people that are coming back from those places that you and I never want to go to or even think about."
Bob said, "Thanks to the Chamber of Commerce for honoring The Highground on our anniversary. And thanks to Kirk and Nancy for the fine job they're doing out there. And another thing, thanks to the community for the donations and all the support we have from our business leaders and the individuals that help us do what we want to do."
Besides the award presentations, there was entertainment by the Clark County Male Chorus and a delicious meal.
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