Memorial proving more than just a place of remembrance

By Ginna Young

Now that summer is within sight, work at the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial is moving along, as was reported at the Planning Committee meeting May 17. Perhaps one of the biggest things to be accomplished, was installing the electrical components – or at least, the beginning of them – for lights around the perimeter and to light the flags.

That way, the raising and lowering of the American flag would not be necessary each day. It was also agreed in the construction of the site, to have a security system, internet system and water fountain in the main building.

“The plan is, to put all these parts and pieces in the building, when it’s built,” said Planning Committee chairman Jim Mataczynski. “But, we’re going to have it long before the building is built.”

Therefore, the committee decided to get a little shed and Mataczynski will check with their engineer, to see if they can do that. Once the building is up, the small structure will be used as a utility shed.

The group had previously decided not to put a water line to the sitting wall and to use a hose that would come from the meditation garden, but Mataczynski convinced them it was something that was needed.

Mataczynski also shared that Taylor Anders, of Anders Supply & Landscaping, is supplying materials at cost and free labor, but there are many extensive regulations to follow.

“There’s a lot to this landscaping stuff,” said Mataczynski.

The memorial has also received a large donation of materials from Lampert’s Lumber International, but the group has to find a way to haul the materials from Madison.

“Then, the masons can go to work,” said Mataczynski, adding that a big amount of fill is also needed.

It’s also been discussed about where to situate recognition plaques, with speculation about them going on flag poles. A bracket could be the way to go, that can be installed on the pole itself with hose clamps or, as was group member Rhonda Mataczynski’s idea, they could build a little stone/flower garden at the base of each pole and display a plaque on the pedestal.

A follow-up for cost will be looked into. In the meantime, monetary donations are needed to keep up with costs, as well as people to purchase legacy stones, buy raffle tickets (which can be found at the Coffee Cabin) and contribute to the fund set up at the Community Foundation of Chippewa County.

To help with that, Ronnie Arts, Ken Mahalko and Bill Haase are heading up the planning of an ATV/UTV ride around Labor Day. By then, they’ll know for sure what roads are open to travel.

The group also voted to buy a laptop for the treasurer, who, up to this time, has used their personal computer, so it can be passed along to the next one to hold that position.

“We don’t do a ton of banking, because the Town of Holcombe does everything for us, but we do have to keep accurate records of incoming expenses,” said Mataczynski.

He also said that he was contacted about holding a flag raising at the memorial site, June 7, at 8 a.m., in commemoration of Robert and Bonnie Rosolowski, of Conrath, who lost their lives four years ago. That shows what the memorial has come to mean to the area.

“We are so much more than a bunch of flags and a big concrete circle for everyone to look at,” said Mataczynski.