The Highground Holds Annual Vietnam Veterans Reunion

Thursday, August 13th, 2026 -- 9:00 AM

 More than 150 Vietnam veterans gathered for The Highground’s annual reunion on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

The busy day offered attendees a chance to explore exhibits and connect over a shared meal. A highlight of the day included a special presentation and a heartfelt “welcome home” for the Heroes Ride bicyclists.

After being welcomed to The Highground by volunteers, veterans were able to explore the grounds and tributes and view several exhibits including: “Wisconsin Remembers: A Face for Every Name” exhibit showing the photograph of every service member from Wisconsin who never returned from the Vietnam War; a display on the “Lost 74” – the U.S. Navy sailors who were lost at sea following the tragic June 1969 collision of the USS Frank E. Evans and the HMAS Melbourne.

The big map of the Vietnam War was available for veterans to sign and jeeps brought in by Don Anibas were also on site. Sponsored by Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls, the Vietnam Veterans Lunch was enjoyed by all.

Afterward, attendees gave an exciting “Welcome Home” to the Heroes Ride cyclists. As the largest annual fundraiser for The Highground, this multi-day cycling event concludes many months of training and fundraising.

At 1pm, USS Frank E. Evans survivors Steve Kraus and Terry Vejr gave a presentation in the Welcome Center about the incident details, loss of life and aftermath of the collision of the USS Frank E. Evans and the HMAS Melbourne during the Vietnam War.

Separate memorials have been placed in the home states of the Lost 74 sailors because their names were not etched on the Vietnam Wall in Washington D.C. The Wisconsin Memorial for the Lost 74 has a home at The Highground.

Floral wreaths were placed at this tribute and at the Vietnam Veterans Tribute “Fragments” following the presentation. Several Vietnam veterans commented to staff and volunteers on how much they enjoyed the day and that “we will definitely be back!”

Reunion Coordinator Theresa Hebert shared, “It’s one of The Highground’s biggest days of the year. It makes us think of the park’s full circle, from the Vietnam veterans who founded it, to the current generation of volunteers, veterans and cyclists securing its future today.”

Sponsors and supporters of the reunion were: Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls, Judy Hutter, Hansen’s IGA, AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Bonnie Henchen, Eugene and Dr. Donna Thomas and Gary Koenigs.

The Highground is already working on plans for next year’s reunion. Updates will be shared on The Highground’s website, Facebook page and email newsletter. You can sign up for the newsletter directly on their website.

(Photo courtesy of The Highground via press release)

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