107.5FM WCCN The Rock - The Coolest Station in the Nation
ESPN 92.3FM WOSQ
92.7FM WPKG
Memories 1370AM 98.5FM
98.7FM / 1450AM WDLB - Timeless Classics
Listen Live: 107.5 THE ROCK • 92.7 FM
Family owned radio stations serving all of Central Wisconsin

The Highground Veterans Memorial Holds Successful Vietnam Veterans Reunion

Thursday, August 15th, 2024 -- 12:00 PM

HighgroundVietnamReunion.jpg

Honoring, remembering and respecting those who served in the Vietnam War was the founding mission of The Highground nearly 40 years ago.

On Sunday, August 4, The Highground hosted a very special day for these veterans, The Highground’s Annual Vietnam Veterans Reunion. Several hundred Vietnam veterans and their spouses gathered for the event which was sponsored by:

  • Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls,
  • Central Wisconsin Broadcasting (WCCN , WPKG, WDLB),
  • Gary Koenigs,
  • Thrivent,
  • Terri Stott,
  • Karen Todd,
  • Bush Brothers,
  • Marg & Al Van Rossum,
  • Saveria Michels,
  • Harold Schmitt,
  • Ardell & Julie Schmidt,
  • Helynn & Ed Schufletowski,
  • Patrick & Sharon Schaefer,
  • Pam Nesbit,
  • Russell’s of Neillsville,
  • Donations in memory of Mike Smock,
  • And all who baked for and bought from The Highground’s Spring Bake Sale.

Among the exhibits which were available to the veterans and visitors were the “Wisconsin Remembers: A Face for Every Name” banner exhibit honoring the men from Wisconsin who were killed or remained missing in action during the Vietnam War; “Vietnam Experience” exhibit by Carl Bogar Jr, owner of Historic Military Impressions in Kenosha; The Highground’s Big Map of the Vietnam War for veterans to sign for themselves and for lost battle buddies.

Very special exhibits which are close to Vietnam Veterans’ hearts were two UH-1H Huey helicopters which were at The Highground.  VVA 331 brought their static display Huey to serve as a hands-on display, inviting the public to climb inside their trailered Huey.

Combat Helicopters landed their UH-1H Huey at The Highground. This landing and lengthy visit by the Huey and crew has always been one of the most powerful experiences of the year at The Highground.

For many Vietnam veterans, the sound of the Huey is an unforgettable memory of their service. Most veterans tell staff at The Highground that it is a welcome sound, a sound of protection and aid.

Some veterans, particularly those who served in Vietnam as nurses, have told staff that the sound was an uncomfortable memory as it meant that wounded were being brought to them…and that they now appreciated an opportunity to associate a Huey coming in with a “good” experience.

Don Anibas of Durand added to the day’s exhibits with the display of his two military Jeeps. Rounding out the reunion was an exciting and unique presentation by Vietnam Veteran Author Doug Bradley with a discussion centered around his book “We Gotta Get Out of This Place: The Soundtrack of the Vietnam War.”

Doug, a Badger Talks speaker, was also featured in a special interview broadcast on Central Wisconsin Broadcasting’s radio station 107.5 WCCN. The Highground held the reunion on the same day that the participants of the 40th Annual Heroes Ride Bike Tour finished their multi-day bicycle event with a celebration at the park.

It was an emotional moment for all present when the riders entered the park to be “welcomed home” and thanked by hundreds of Vietnam veterans. The Highground thanks all the volunteers who made this special day possible. Planning is already underway for the 2025 Vietnam Veterans Reunion which will be held at The Highground next summer.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.