Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

December 15, 2010, Page 2

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Flags flown at half-staff honor soldier

Pfc. Jacob Gassen

By Peter Spicer

The Highground and all state buildings, including Wisconsin National Guard Armories, flew flags at half-staff Thursday, Dec. 9, in honor of Pfc. Jacob Gassen, 21, Beaver Dam who died serving in Afghanistan in the U. S. Army.

Neillsville’s Leiko and John Gassen are Jacob’s aunt and uncle.  Jacob died Nov. 29; his funeral was held Thursday, Dec. 9, the day flags were flown at half-staff, an executive order issued by Governor Jim Doyle.

According to a Highground press release, The Highground’s policy for KIA flag lowering is to recognize this sacrifice for three days.  Therefore, the flags were lowered the day of Gassen’s funeral and two days following the service.

The Highground’s Fountain of Tears holds a plaque honoring Gassen. The plaque is changed when another Wisconsin soldier is killed in action.  It is The Highground’s hope the plaque does not change, meaning another life is not lost. Gassen replaced Spc. Scott Nagorski of Greenfield, KIA in Afghanistan Nov. 14.

In 2003, The Highground made a pledge soon after the Iraq war started it would not let those from Wisconsin who died in this war go in silence. During all Highground events, names are read and the replica Liberty Bell is rung for all Wisconsin soldiers who died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Gassen’s name was added to this list and will be read at every event held at The Highground until this war is over.  He and other KIAs will not go in silence.

The Guard will render these honors in accordance with Doyle’s executive order.

According to Doyle’s executive order, "Gassen provided faithful and honorable service to the people of the State of Wisconsin and the people of the United States."

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Gassen shares memories of fallen nephew (15 Dec. 2010)