The Highground Veterans Memorial Holding Vietnam Veterans Reunion on August 2nd

Thursday, May 14th, 2026 -- 10:00 AM

A Vietnam Veterans Reunion will be held at The Highground on Sunday, August 2nd.

There have been over 300 Vietnam Veterans at each of the last four reunions, so Veterans will have the opportunity to meet or reconnect with fellow Veterans. This year’s reunion will feature Vietnam exhibits, lunch and a special presentation by survivors of the 1969 USS Frank E Evans collision, followed by a wreath-laying at the “Lost 74” and “Fragments” Tributes.

ITINERARY:

• Vietnam War Exhibits 10am-5pm
• The Veterans Lunch (RSVPs required before July 24th – Veterans can include one guest on their RSVP) will be served from 11:30am-1:00pm and is sponsored by Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls.
• At 1:00pm USS Frank E Evans survivors, Steve Kraus and Terry Vejr, will give a presentation on the collision of the USS Frank E Evans and the HMAS Melbourne on June 3, 1969, their personal stories of survival, and their mission to remember the 74 lost souls (73 who were never recovered) from that day during the Vietnam War. The presentation will take place in the main gallery of the Welcome Center.
• (After presentation) Wreath-laying at the Lost 74 Tribute and at Fragments Vietnam Veterans Tribute.
• In addition to the Vietnam Veterans Reunion activities, all attendees will also be able to help “welcome home” the bicycle riders of the 42nd Annual Heroes Ride as they enter The Highground at approximately 11am.

To RSVP or to become a sponsor, email Theresa at [email protected] or call 715-743-4224. The Highground is grateful to Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls for sponsoring the Veterans Lunch. Veterans are invited to help welcome home the 42nd Annual Bike Tour riders around 11am.

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