2019 Gold Star & ROF Exhibit

Very Special Memorial Exhibits Currently on Display at The Highground Museum
“A Face for Every Name” and “Remembering Our Fallen”

The current exhibits on display in The Highground Museum include two of the most meaningful that has ever been at the Highground. They have graced our halls before and are a loving testament to the bravery and sacrifices of our Wisconsin servicemen and women and of the families and loved ones that feel the pain of their loss. “A Face For Every Name” is the product of a long journey to find photographs of every Wisconsin military member that was killed in action (KIA) or missing in action (MIA) during the Vietnam War. The idea began with Bryce Kelley of Wisconsin and grew with the support of many organizations including, Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin Public Television, and the Wisconsin Veterans Museum (from which this exhibit is currently on loan). Viewing the over 1,000 photos is an emotionally healing experience for many Vietnam veterans and the families and friends that still grieve their loss. To put a face to the names that have been scribed on a wall or printed on a list reminds us all of the true loss of these young lives decades ago.

The other large exhibit on display is “Remembering Our Fallen” and is the Wisconsin –specific photographic memorial to the military servicemen and women killed in the Global War on Terror since September 11, 2001. This exhibit of photographs, both formal military photographs, and candid photos, give us a glimpse into the wide range of individuals and their personalities, interests, and hopes, that we have so recently lost. Many tears have been shed at The Highground Museum while viewing “Remembering Our Fallen”, from visitors, volunteers, and staff, alike.

In addition to the “Remembering Our Fallen”, there are many additional storyboards and folders with information on the fallen military members that their families have sent to The Highground. In the future, these special memories and additional information will become part of a formal exhibit. For now, please visit and view these very special personal stories as you walk through the Museum.

Each year, we at The Highground have the honor of meeting even more of the Gold Star families of these men and women. As more relationships are formed, these exhibits become even more near and dear to our hearts. Both exhibits will be on display at The Highground Museum until September 29, 2019.

“Remembering Our Fallen” is available to be displayed at other venues on loan from The Highground after October 1, 2019. This memorial needs to be seen by every community in Wisconsin. If your community has not hosted it, or if you would like it to return to your community, please contact Theresa at The Highground to arrange loan details.