Many events coming up for The Highground over the next month

While some organizations take a break for the summer, it is the opposite for The Highground Veterans Memorial Park near Neillsville. The park has a wide variety of events in upcoming weeks, offering activities for those interested in history, art, military vehicles, and more. All events are free and open to the public.

Events include the following.

July 12: A Living History of the U.S. Army Throughout 2025, many activities and commemorations will take place to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. To support the anniversary, The Highground will host a unique “Living History” event on July 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., that will include a significant portion of the Army’s timeline.

This event, coordinated by Troy Buddenhagen, will have multiple stations with various living history displays representing the personnel, equipment, and living conditions of the U.S. Army, spanning from the Revolutionary War to the present.

Reenactors will be ready to answer visitor questions and provide unique insight beyond the history books into 250 years of advancements, conflicts, and evolution of our military.

Established on June 14, 1775, the United States Army, the land force of the U.S. Armed Forces, is a year older than the United States itself. Since then, its soldiers have supported our nation, defended allies, and assisted in times of need across the globe. The Army is also the largest military branch, with a combined strength of over 1 million soldiers across the Regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard.

July 13: Our Heritage Community Art Project What is your family history? What is your community history? How do you want to have your family history or current life documented?

On July 13 at 1 p.m., local residents will have an exciting opportunity to include their history in a permanent “mixed media” community heritage art project.

Participants will be creating a 12-inch square quilt block representing their family history that will be added to the central Wisconsin “Our Heritage” wall hanging. The completed wall hanging will be unveiled at The Highground during the International Day of Peace event on Sept. 21 and made available for display at local libraries and schools.

This project is being completed at The Highground because honoring our military veterans, remembering their sacrifices, and supporting them are at the core of the park’s mission. This project will showcase who our troops put themselves in harm’s way to protect, with a theme of “Why They Fight.” Families with military veterans in their past and present are encouraged to represent them on their quilt block.

At the July 13 event, volunteers will help new attendees get started with their family heritage block and help returning participants finish their blocks. Those interested in joining for the first time should RSVP to Theresa by July 9 at museum@thehighground.org or by calling 715-743-4224.

No crafting experience is needed. Participants will be supplied with their 14-inch square (12-inch square finished) fabric base for their “quilt block,” a bevy of supplies, and the support of crafters who will be at the workshop to help them.

July 16: Red Arrow Division history presentation On July 16, The Highground will host a gripping presentation about the history of the 32nd Infantry Division - the Red Arrow. The 32nd Inf. Div. not only has a highly significant and storied past; it is also near and dear to central Wisconsin hearts, as generations of local troops have served in the Red Arrow.

Mark D. Van Ells, the author of “Red Arrow across the Pacific: The Thirty-Second Infantry Division during World War II” will give a talk about the Red Arrow’s history at 6 p.m. at The Highground Welcome Center, followed by a question-and-answer session and book signing.

The evening will focus on the cultural history of the Red Arrow’s wartime experience, from its mobilization in 1940, to its deployment across New Guinea, Australia, and the Philippines, to its postwar occupation of Japan.

Aug. 3: Veterans reunion and Huey pilot’s film On Aug. 3, The Highground will host its annual Vietnam VeteransReunioncombiningVietnamexhibits,adocumentary about a Vietnam War Huey pilot, lunch for veterans, and an opportunity to meet fellow Vietnam veterans.

Historic Military Impressions will be exhibiting the “Vietnam Experience” exhibit in a large outdoor display from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Veterans Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. RSVPs are required before July 25, and veterans can include one guest.

At 1 p.m., Pamela Alwin Fullerton will present “Honor in the Air.” This documentary honors her brother, Vietnam Huey Pilot Capt. Scott Alwin.

In addition to the Vietnam Veterans Reunion activities, all attendees are invited to help “welcome home” the bicycle riders of the 41st annual Heroes Ride Bike Tour as they arrive at The Highground at approximately 11 a.m.

To RSVP, veterans can contact Theresa by email at museum@thehighground.org or call 715-743-4224.

Additional information For more information about any of the upcoming events, email Theresa at museum@thehighground.org, call 715-743-4224 or visit The Highground website at thehighground.us.