On Veterans Day, November 11, as The Highground’s resident Eagles soared overhead, Veterans and their families, friends and supporters gathered on the Plaza to honor our Veterans. In traditional fashion, the KIA/MIA and POW names were remembered using a recording due to COVID-19 restrictions and answered with an in-person tolling of The Highground Liberty Bell. With all present and accounted for, the Thorp VFW Post #9057 presented the Colors. Steve Maddox, Vietnam Veteran and Board Member at The Highground, led the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem with the Invocation given by Skip Klabon, Vietnam Veteran.  

Betty Sitler, a public and private school educator for 56 years, and the surviving spouse of Korean War EX-POW, Harold “Red” Sitler, was scheduled to speak but was unable to attend. As her proxy, Bonnie Pettis, Events Coordinator with The Highground, shared Betty’s thoughts on Why we were gathered today and Why it’s important to “recognize our Veterans 365 days a year and not just on the chosen days of remembrance.”     

Guests enjoyed hot coffee and conversation, at safe distances, and were able to explore the “We Were There: Korea” exhibit (on display through November 29). Veteran support organizations, Patriot K9s of Wisconsin and the Vet Center were also onsite to offer information to Veterans and families.     

For questions or information about the ceremony or other events, please contact Bonnie at events@thehighground.us or call 715-743-4224. Visit our Calendar of Events page for information about future events.

The Highground is located at W7031 Ridge Road, Neillsville WI 54456.