Students from 17 schools and homeschool students attended Education Days at The Highground Veterans Memorial Park Sept. 30-Oct. 3. This memorable event focused on providing age-appropriate presentations about our nation’s military history, global cultures and information about The Highground as well as a unique opportunity to watch an official flag retirement ceremony.
On Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, fifth grade students from 14 Central Wisconsin schools were given guided tours of The Highground. They learned about the service and sacrifice of United States military troops who served in all 20th and 21st century conflicts, personal stories of service and information about The Highground. The Ah Da Wah Gam Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented a history of the American flag, flag etiquette and performed an official flag retirement ceremony with the assistance of several students. The schools that attended were Osseo-Fairchild, Neillsville, Maple Grove, Athens, Pittsville, Auburndale, Stanley-Boyd, Colby, Black River Falls, Thorp, Owen-Withee, Lake Holcombe, St Peter’s and Immanuel Lutheran.
Middle school and high school students from Pittsville, Marathon Venture Academy, Neillsville and Academy of Excellence attended Education Days on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3. Special presenters led engaging 30-minute talks focused on distinctive aspects of our history and current global affairs. Troy Buddenhagen, Living History coordinator, gave a presentation on aspects of serving during WWII, complete with a military vehicle and several artifacts. Ward Zischke, command historian 88th Readiness Division, Fort McCoy, assisted by Korean Service Veteran David Harris, gave an interactive talk with artifacts and historical information on what it was like to serve in the Korean War. Personal photographs and experiences while serving in the Vietnam War were presented by Vietnam Veteran Skip Klabon. Author Gary Foster (“Notes from the Trenches – A Musician’s Journey Through World War I”) talked about the history of WWI, incorporating his grandfather Leo Foster’s WWI Wisconsin National Guard service artifacts and stories from serving as a bugler on the front lines.
Vietnam Veteran Dog Handler Mike Olson taught a lesson on the history of military working dogs and shared his personal experience as a dog handler in Vietnam. His presentation was next to The Highground’s Military Working Dog tribute, of which Mike was a member of the committee to create this tribute. Sarwat Najib had to come to the United States with her husband and children as refugees from Afghanistan following the fall of Kabul in 2021. She gave an important and enlightening presentation on Afghanistan, its history, culture and people. Veteran Michelle Al-Khouja gave a presentation at the Persian Gulf Tribute, sharing her experience from serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other regions worldwide.
The Highground is grateful to the school administrators, teachers, chaperones and all the volunteers who made Education Days such a phenomenal event. The Highground is also thankful for the generous sponsorship of John and Donna Koutre. Their support enabled The Highground to expand the event and enhance the students’ experience. The 2026 event will take place Sept. 29-Oct. 2.
For upcoming events, veterans programs and more, visit their website or follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheHighgroundVeteransMemorial.
The Highground is located at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville WI 54456. thehighground.us