Highground’s Vietnam Veterans Reunion hosts over 300 veterans
Honoring, remembering and respecting those who served in the Vietnam War was the founding mission of The Highground nearly 40 years ago. On Aug. 4, The Highground hosted a special event for these veterans, the annual Vietnam Veterans Reunion.
Several hundred Vietnam veterans and their spouses gathered for the event, which was sponsored by many community partners.
Exhibits for viewing included 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; and The Highground’s Big Map of the Vietnam War for veterans to sign for themselves and lost battle buddies.
Two UH-1H Huey helicopters were on display 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 as well.
“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,” Liz Hamilton of The Highground wrote in a press release. “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 a presentation by Vietnam veteran author Doug Bradley, with a discussion centered on his book,“We Gotta Get Out of This Place: The Soundtrack of the Vietnam War.” Bradley, a Badger Talks speaker, was also featured in an interview broadcast on Central Wisconsin Broadcasting’s radio station 107.5 WCCN.
The Highground held the reunion on the same day that 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 extended its appreciation to all the volunteers who made this day possible. Planning is already underway for the 2025 Vietnam Veterans Reunion, which will be held at The Highground next summer.
For events, news and more for The Highground, visit their website at thehighground.us or follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheHighgroundVeteransMemorial.
The Highground is at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville WI 54456.
