Event News
The Highground Invites the Public to Attend Education Days October 3 and 4
The public is invited to register to attend Education Days on October 3 and 4, when The Highground welcomes several…
Area Schools and Homeschooled Families are Encouraged to Register Now for Education Days
The Highground’s Annual Education Days event will offer two programs to enrich their educational mission. Two days will be dedicated to the traditional “5th Grade Tour of The Highground” along with two days of programs for students in middle school…
The Highground’s 40th Annual Bike Tour Raises $74,222
On Sunday, August 4, 306 Vietnam veterans and their guests provided a well-deserved welcome to 113 bicyclists and SAG teams from all over Wisconsin as they peddled into The Highground for the culmination of the 40th Annual Heroes Ride Bike…
The Highground Ushers in the 24th Annual Ride to Remember August 17
On Saturday, August 17, motorcyclists will come together at the Neillsville American Legion Post 73 for The Highground’s 24th Annual Ride to Remember® as a celebration of honor and valor. Veterans and veteran supporters will enjoy riding through Clark County’s scenic…
Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls Presents $2,500 to The Highground Vietnam Veterans Reunion
On Monday, June 24, Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls (https://www.ho-chunkgaming.com/blackriverfalls) presented The Highground Veterans Memorial Park with a check for $2,500 in support of their 2024 Vietnam Veterans Reunion. Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls is a long-time supporter of The…
The Heroes Ride Southwestern Route Begins Their Journey in La Crosse August 2
On Friday August 2, the Southwestern Route, consisting of a family of three, will pack their support vehicles and leave La Crosse to begin their three-day journey to The Highground for the 40th Annual Heroes Ride Bike Tour. This event started…
The Heroes Ride Western Route Begins Their Journey in New Richmond August 2
On Friday, August 4, the Western Route bicyclists will pack their support vehicles and leave New Richmond to begin their three-day journey to The Highground for the 40th Annual Heroes Ride Bike Tour. This event started in 1985 with Tom…
The Heroes Ride Northern Route Begins Their Journey in Hayward August 2
On Friday, August 2, the “Awesome Northern Route” bicyclists will pack their support vehicles and leave Hayward to begin their three-day journey to The Highground for the 40th Annual Heroes Ride Bike Tour. This event started in 1985 with Tom…
The Heroes Ride Eastern Route Begins Their Journey in Appleton August 2
On Friday, August 2, the Eastern Route bicyclists will pack their support vehicles and leave Appleton to begin their three-day journey to The Highground for the 40th Annual Heroes Ride Bike Tour. This event started in 1985 with Tom Miller…
The Highground’s Vietnam Veterans Reunion Coming Up August 4
On Sunday, August 4, The Highground will host its annual Vietnam Veterans Reunion combining Vietnam exhibits, Huey helicopter displays (a landing is planned weather permitting), a 1pm presentation by Vietnam Veteran and Author Doug Bradley, and an opportunity to meet…
The Highground Honor Stone Program Offers a Profound and Lasting Tribute
For many Veterans serving overseas, most notably during the Vietnam War, going home was referred to as getting “Back in the World.” “The World” was a place of normalcy, family, everyday acceptable and calm conditions—a place to forget the nightmare…
The Highground Invites Military Couples to “Operation Re-Connect” This Fall
The Highground will host its second military couples retreat October 18-20. “Operation Re-Connect” invites veterans and their spouses or partners at any stage in their relationship to get away from their daily routines and enjoy a peaceful yet purposeful weekend…
The Highground Annual Bike Tour Reaches Milestone Year “40”
On Friday, August 2, riders will begin their trek to The Highground from four different locations across the state—marking the 40th anniversary of this long-running fundraiser. The history and the people behind this event are what makes it such an…
Female Veterans Enjoy a Four-Day Outdoor Skills Retreat Hosted by The Highground
Nature-based activities are proven to boost mental health, lessen anxiety and add to our physical and spiritual well-being. To harness these benefits, The Highground led a four-day female veterans retreat (May 30-June 2) near Holcombe, Wisconsin. This was the second…
The Highground Presents Badger Talk on Music of Vietnam Era
The Highground Veterans Memorial Park is excited to host a Badger Talk by University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor Emeritus Doug Bradley on Sunday, August 4 at 1pm. Bradley will present We Gotta Get Out of This Place: The Soundtrack of the Vietnam…
Engines Roared as the Honor Ride Arrived at The Highground on Memorial Day
On May 27, 176 motorcyclists from across Wisconsin began their ride to honor fallen service members and Veterans for the14th Annual Honor Ride. The Highground hosted nine routes this year: Appleton King/Waupaca, Wisconsin Rapids, Neillsville, Minocqua, Eau Claire, Wausau, Milwaukee/Madison,…
The Highground’s Male Veterans Retreat is Slated for September 27-29
The Highground is thrilled to announce this year’s Male Veterans Retreat will take place Friday, September 27 – Sunday, September 29. Veterans are invited to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and immerse themselves in a…
The Highground ‘s Annual Spring Bake Sale Raises $1,437
The Highground’s “Sweet Platoon” of bakers has done it again. The Highground hosted their annual Spring Bake Sale on May 18 in support of this year’s Vietnam Veterans Reunion, raising $1,437 to support the event. The Spring Bake Sale and the…
The Highground’s Fireworks Display Will Light Up the Sky on June 29
The Highground will host its Freedom Celebration Fireworks starting at dusk on Saturday, June 29. The community is invited to bring their blankets or chairs to enjoy the stunning display over the plaza. Admission is free, and popcorn and beverages will…
The Highground Hosts 20th Annual Recognition Dinner
Fifty-eight first-year contributors joined longtime supporters in bolstering the organization’s continued efforts to support Veterans and their families. Supporters of The Highground from Wisconsin and surrounding states spent the evening of April 13, 2024, with members of The Highground Staff…
The Highground Seeks Veteran Art Submissions for “Back in the World” Exhibit
For many Veterans serving overseas, most notably during the Vietnam War, going home was referred to as getting “Back in the World.” “The World” was a place of normalcy, family, everyday acceptable and calm conditions—a place to forget the nightmare…
Veterans are Invited to Register for The Highground’s Summer Ukulele Course
At the time of this writing, The Highground is in the middle of the spring acoustic guitar course as part of the “Vets & Guitars” & Ukulele program. The summer course will be a little different. It will offer classes…
The 14th Annual Honor Ride Makes its Way to The Highground on Memorial Day
The Highground will host its 14th Annual Honor Ride on Memorial Day, May 27. For thirteen years, the Honor Ride has brought Veteran and civilian motorcyclists together on the day designated to hold those who died in service to our…
The Highground Invites Area Schools and Homeschooled Families to Education Days 2024
The Highground’s Annual Education Days event will offer two programs to enrich their educational mission. Two days will be dedicated to the traditional “5th Grade Tour of The Highground” along with two days of programs for students in middle school and…
The Highground Invites Female Veterans to Register for Two Retreats This Summer
Registration is now open for The Highground’s 2024 Female Veterans Retreats. The Female Veterans Ice Age Trail Hike is scheduled for May 30–June 2 and The Highground-based Female Veterans Retreat will take place June 21–23. Veterans can sign up for both…
The Highground’s Spring Vets & Guitars Courses Start March 21
The Highground is excited to announce that the Spring Vets & Guitars courses are open for registration. The Highground is doing something different this year by offering both beginning and continuing acoustic guitar classes. The courses are free for Veterans,…
Lack of Snow Doesn’t Stop The Highground’s Annual Winter Veterans Retreat
What happens when a Winter Retreat is scheduled, and Winter forgets to show up? With the help of many community members and volunteers, and a few adaptations to the itinerary, The Highground Winter Retreat, held Feb 2-4, was still a…
The Highground’s Annual Winter Bowl Raises $2,362 for their Veterans Retreats
On Sunday, January 28, 2024, The Highground hosted its 11th Annual Winter Bowl fundraiser at Bowl Winkle’s in Eau Claire. Bowlers of all ages took to the lanes at noon for a fun day of bowling, a chance at…
The Highground’s Annual “Winter Bowl” Heads Back to Eau Claire for 2024
On Sunday, January 28, The Highground staff and volunteers will again welcome bowlers to Bowl Winkle’s Bowling Alley at 1616 N Clairemont Avenue in Eau Claire for the 11th Annual Winter Bowl. This event has always had a strong following…
The Highground’s 2023 Patriotic Quilt Raffle Raises $1,900
Twenty-eight quilts went home with happy winners on Saturday, December 9 after the drawing for The Highground’s Annual Patriotic Quilt Raffle. Over 580 tickets were sold which raised $1,900. These funds will be used for various necessities that assist The Highground…
The Highground’s 5th Annual ATV Raffle Raises $11,215
After months of selling raffle tickets (980 of the 1,000 ordered to be exact) for The Highground’s Annual ATV Raffle Honoring our Veterans, the winning tickets were randomly drawn at 3pm on Veterans Day and all three winners were notified by…
The Highground Facilitates its First Military Couples Retreat October 20-22
The Highground facilitated its first military couples retreat October 20-22, 2023. “Operation Re-Connect” invites Veterans and their spouses or partners to get away from their daily routines and enjoy a peaceful yet purposeful weekend at no cost to them. The Highground is…
The Highground Fall Bake Sale Raises $1,727 for the 2024 Winter Veterans Retreat
The last Honor Stone Ceremonies for 2023 and the annual Fall Bake Sale brought hundreds of guests to The Highground on Saturday, October 7. The Highground’s “Sweet Platoon” provided temptations for everyone’s sweet tooth with baked goods ranging from miniature pies to…
16 Area Schools Attend The Highground Education Days
The Highground welcomed over 800 students from 16 schools throughout Central Wisconsin to the Park October 3-6 for their annual Education Days. This event offers students and the public the opportunity to learn more about the history and sacrifices of…
The Highground’s Day of Peace Event Revealed Challenges that Refugees Face
“If you were forced to leave your country, what would you bring?” This was one of the many questions Dr. Khalil Dokhanchi with the University of Wisconsin-Superior posed to the audience during his speech about International Refugees. Dr. Dokhanchi’s presentation was part of The Highground’s International Day of…
Veterans are Invited to Register for the Fall “Vets & Guitars” and Ukuleles Course Which Starts October 5
The Highground’s Fall “Vets & Guitars” and Ukulele courses are open for registration. These 10-session classes are free for veterans and are scheduled to meet weekly on Thursdays at The Highground. Both the acoustic guitar and ukulele sessions will begin…
The 23rd Annual Ride to Remember Raises Over $7,400
Saturday, August 19, 2023 was a great day for the 100-plus motorcycle riders as they joined The Highground for its 23rd Annual Ride To Remember® in Neillsville, Wisconsin. With the support from Bill Flemal and Doug Mauritz of…
Schools and Home-schooled Families are Invited to Tour The Highground for Education Days October 3-6
The Highground invites schools and home-schooled families to take part in the annual Education Days event coming up October 3–6. The Highground will offer two different programs to enhance the organization’s educational mission. Two days will be dedicated to the traditional…
The Highground to Bring Recognition to the Struggles of Refugees During the International Day of Peace September 21
The Highground will honor and bring recognition to the struggles of refugees past and present during the annual International Day of Peace event on, Thursday, September 21, beginning at noon. This is a family-friendly event. Dr. Khalil Dokhanchi, Professor and…
The 39th Annual Heroes Ride Bike Tour Raises over $95,000
On Sunday, August 6, 122 bicyclists and SAG teams from all over Wisconsin made their final push to conquer the last milestone of their three-day ride to The Highground. Each route met challenges along the way and rallied together to overcome them to complete the…
The Ride to Remember Revs Up for its 23rd Year August 19
On Saturday, August 19, over 200 motorcyclists will come together at the Neillsville American Legion Post 73 for The Highground’s 23rd Annual Ride to Remember® in recognition of honor and valor. Veterans and Veteran supporters will gather to enjoy rides in picturesque Clark County and…
The Highground to Hold Male Veterans Retreat August 11-13
The Highground will hold a Male Veterans Retreat August 11–13, 2023. The retreat will offer Veterans the opportunity to have fun, enjoy great food and experience interesting activities in the company of fellow male Veterans. The retreat is open to…
The Highground to Hold PTSD & Veteran Suicide Prevention Event at Patriot K9s
Veterans, non-veterans, families and the public are invited to attend an informative gathering on post-traumatic stress (PTS/PTSD) and veteran suicide prevention at 6pm on Tuesday, July 25 at Patriot K9s (7333 Stewart Ave., Wausau, WI 54401). The event, part of…
The Heroes Ride Northern Route Starts in Hayward August 4
On Friday, August 4, The Heroes Ride Bike Tour rides for its 39th year in support of The Highground, beginning in five locations throughout the state. The “Awesome Northern Route” bicyclists will saddle up for their three-day ride on Friday morning. Starting in Hayward,…
The Heroes Ride Eastern Route Starts in Appleton August 4
On Friday, August 4, The Heroes Ride Bike Tour rides for its 39th year in support of The Highground, beginning in five locations throughout the state. The Eastern Route bicyclists will saddle up for their three-day ride on Friday. Starting in Appleton at the…
The Heroes Ride Western Route Starts in New Richmond August 4
On Friday, August 4, The Heroes Ride Bike Tour rides for its 39th year in support of The Highground, beginning in five locations throughout the state. The Western Route bicyclists will saddle up for their three-day ride on Friday. Starting in New Richmond…
The Heroes Ride Southwestern Route Starts in La Crosse August 4
On Friday, August 4, The Heroes Ride Bike Tour rides for its 39th year in support of The Highground, beginning in five locations throughout the state. The Southwestern Route, a family of three, will gear up for their ride with three things…
The Heroes Ride Southern Route Starts in Cottage Grove WI August 4
On Friday, August 4, The Heroes Ride Bike Tour rides for its 39th year in support of The Highground, beginning in five locations throughout the state. The Southern Route bicyclists will saddle up for their three-day ride on Friday. Starting in Cottage Grove, WI,…
Vietnam Veterans Reunion
On Saturday, July 15, The Highground will host its annual Vietnam Veterans Reunion combining Vietnam exhibits, Huey helicopter displays (a landing is planned weather permitting) and an opportunity to meet other Vietnam Veterans. Over 100 Vietnam Veterans have RSVP’d for lunch,…
Fr. Conrad Targonski, OFM to Speak at July 16 PTSD Peer Support Group
The Highground hosts a monthly peer support group for Veterans who are managing post-traumatic stress (PTS) as well as family and loved ones of Veterans with PTS. The next Veteran & Family PTSD Peer Support Group will meet at The…
The Highground Bike Tour Gears Up for Year 39 August 4–6
On Friday, August 4, The Heroes Ride Bike Tour rides for its 39th year. Bicyclists will saddle up for their three-day ride starting in Hayward, Cottage Grove (WI), Fond du Lac, New Richmond and La Crosse along scenic routes in support of…