----Sources: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood County, Wis.) Tue, Apr 26, 2005

Highground to mark Vietnam anniversary

By Matt Ollwerther -- Marshfield News-Herald

The Vietnam War left impressions in Chuck Hennes that still remain vivid.

"I can remember things that happened there clearer than some of the stuff that happened here a month ago," said Hennes, 54, of Marshfield.

He was in the Marine infantry for seven and a half months in Vietnam before his squad was ambushed. He was shot three times in the attack, once in the pelvic area and twice in the legs. He spent the next seven months recovering in a hospital.

The nation will observe the 30th anniversary of the Vietnam War's end Saturday. More than 58,000 members of the U.S. military were killed in the conflict, including more than 1,100 soldiers from Wisconsin.

Beth Martin, a volunteer at The Highground Veterans Memorial Park, said a ceremony will take place at noon. A Talking Circle will be held with those in attendance.

Hennes said he did not plan on attending any of Saturday's events.

A board meeting also will take place, many of whose members are Vietnam Veterans.

Soldiers still missing in action from Minnesota and Wisconsin will have their names read aloud. Their name are engraved on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall. A color guard will attend the meeting.

Saturday also will conclude a three-day spring cleanup work weekend. Beginning Thursday, 50 people using personal and vacation time will build a handicapped-accessible treehouse, engrave planks across a bridge, install benches and work in the meditation garden, Martin said.

Neillsville restaurants Subway, Pizza Hut, Cenex Supply & Marketing Inc., Donna's Cozy Kitchen and Doc's Diner are providing food for lunches each day.

The Highground is open to the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is located about three miles west of Neillsville off Highway 10.

The major Vietnam War memorial gathering in the state will take place at noon Saturday, north of the War Memorial Center, 750 N. Memorial Dr., Milwaukee.

Matt Ollwerther can be reached at 384-3131, at 800-967-2087, ext. 358, or at mollwerther@marshfieldnewsherald.com. For more information go to marshfieldnewsherald.com and click on today's Web links.

At a glance

For more information about The Highground Veterans Memorial Park, the Saturday Vietnam memorial or spring cleanup work weekend, visit thehighground.org or call 743-4244.