The Highground will recognize the International Day of Peace with an “open community” event on Monday, September 21 at 1pm at the Earthen Dove Effigy Mound. All are invited to attend as poetry and messages of Peace will be read and songs will be performed. Origami cranes, created and donated to The Highground by various groups and individuals, will also be on display at the Dove (weather permitting} or at the Museum.
There are many ways that people can participate in this event. Origami cranes can be created for The Highground using 6” origami or craft paper (cranes will continue to be collected after this event in preparation for a 1,000 crane display in December of 2021); individuals are welcome to recite their poetry and written works of peace, and musicians are invited to perform appropriate songs.
The Dove Mound Tribute was created at the Park to remember and honor all POW/MIA and KIA. The Dove has also become a powerful source of inspiration for peace. A visitor from Vietnam, who served in the North Vietnamese army, was so emotionally affected by his visit to The Dove (from lighting an incense stick and saying a prayer for his brother—MIA from the North Vietnamese army for over 20 years) that he began the Vietnamese-American Peace Park Project upon his return to Vietnam.
A very special part of the creation of the Dove was the inclusion of soil from many different places. Attendees are encouraged to bring soil with them from their homes and other places close to their hearts to be integrated into the Dove Mound.
The purpose of the Dove Mound is well-described in an inscription on a boulder overlooking the tribute which was written by John Beaudin (Wa Kanja Hoohega), a Native American and Veteran of the Vietnam War.
“It is a spiritual place where you can go and let your mother, the Earth, hold you. Let the children play on it. Dance on it. Use it to unload your grief and pain, to renew and strengthen you. Lay back in the soft fold of its wings and let Mother Earth unburden you. Then get up and leave your troubles and cares there on the mound, as you walk away renewed and refreshed.”
The event will be outdoors at the Dove Mound Tribute, rain or shine. No seating is available except for the grassy sloped ground. There is a wide grass path to the Dove that is accessible and golf carts will be available for those who need assistance.
An important note about this event: This is not a political platform, therefore, political views and discussions are not welcome. The focus will be to promote healing and fellowship for all Veterans and non-Veterans and to share in voicing the common goal of peace.
The Highground Museum is located at W7031 Ridge Road in Neillsville Wisconsin. If you would like to read or perform at the event or have any questions, please email Theresa at museum@thehighground.us or call 715-743-4224.