The Highground Veterans Memorial Park facts for kids
The Highground Veterans Memorial Park, often called The Highground, is a special place located about 4 miles (6 km) west of Neillsville, Wisconsin, USA. It was built to honor brave military members who served their country, especially those who died, and to show respect for those who survived. The Highground is run by a non-profit group and relies on volunteers and donations, not government money. It's open to everyone, all day, every day of the year.
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Exploring The Highground
This amazing park covers 148 acres (about 60 hectares) on high land. From one special spot, you can see about 500,000 acres (200,000 hectares) of land! Because it's in the middle of Wisconsin, veterans from anywhere in the state can visit and return home in one day.
The park has a Gift Shop, Museum, and Visitor Center that are open daily. You can pick up a free audio tour to guide you around the park, or even get a guided tour. The main plaza, the Peace Dove, the Gold Star tribute, and all the other memorials are lit up at night, so you can visit any time. The park also has 4 miles (6.4 km) of walking trails, bridges, and a treehouse that everyone can use. You can even ring a replica of the famous Liberty Bell! The park raises money by selling special blocks that are placed along the memorial grounds. They also hold different events throughout the year.
The Story Behind The Highground
The idea for The Highground started in 1965 during the Vietnam War. A soldier named Tom Miller promised his dying friend that his sacrifice would not be forgotten. Years later, in 1984, Tom and others who felt the same way decided to create a memorial for Vietnam veterans. They chose Neillsville, Wisconsin, as the perfect spot out of 10 possible places. That same year, the Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Project (WVVMP, Inc.) was officially formed.
In 1985, the first bike ride was held to raise money for the park. A year later, in 1986, a tall 70-foot flagpole with a flag and light became the very first permanent part of The Highground.
Important Tributes and Additions
The Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Park, which later became known as The Highground, and the "Fragments" Vietnam Veterans' Tribute were officially opened in 1988. After that, a modern Earthen Dove Effigy Mound and the Gold Star Tribute were added in 1989 and 1990.
In 1992, two more tributes were dedicated: The Nurse and The Doughboy. The Highground also started publishing its own magazine that year.
The World War II Veterans' Tribute and a Pow Wow Arena were dedicated in 1993. This was also when the first "Warrior" Traditional pow wow ceremony took place at the park.
In 1995, a special tribute for National Native American Vietnam Veterans was dedicated. This year also saw the first Legacy Stones placed in the park.
The Timberframe Building, which now holds the Gift Shop and Information Center, was dedicated in 1996. On July 4, 2002, the Liberty Bell Shelter was also dedicated.
Expanding the Park
In 2004, the park's trail system was made longer. Plans were also made to manage the forest around the park. That same year, the Wisconsin Counties United in Service Tribute was placed in the main plaza.
The handicap-accessible Treehouse was finished in 2005. The first Meditation Stones were placed in the Meditation Garden, which was officially dedicated in 2006. Also in 2006, the Ascension of Doves, the Fountain of Tears, and a tribute to the WASP were dedicated. The WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) were the first women trained to fly military planes in America.
In 2007, a tribute to the Korean War was dedicated, and the first Korean Tribute Stones were placed in the rice paddies area.
The statues within the Fountain of Tears tribute were dedicated in 2009. That year, a "Hero Tribute Ride" also happened, recreating the very first bike tour from 1985.
The Learning Center, which has a library, media center, and art gallery, was dedicated in 2010.
In 2012, work began on a Gulf War "boot print" memorial. This memorial honors veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Operation Desert Shield, and Operation Desert Storm.
Images for kids
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The replica of the Liberty Bell
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The "Gold Star" Tribute
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The Information Center and Gift Shop building
