Veterans memorial shows progress by raising flags

By Ginna Young

It’s been a long time in the works, but finally, the work put in at the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial is at last taking shape. To celebrate the accomplishments that have taken place over the summer and fall, a flag raising ceremony will take place Saturday, Nov. 4, at 11:30 a.m. at the site on 263rd Avenue, just in time for Veterans Day!

“This memorial will be a place of honor and meditation for all those that have, and do, presently serve in our armed forces,” said Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial Planning Committee chair Jim Mataczynski.

Thanks to support from the community, each of the nine flags representing the branches of the military, the American flag, state flag and POW flag, will be raised on poles sponsored by a township within Holcombe’s boundaries, or an organization in the area.

Following the ceremony, a free will soup and sandwich lunch will take place at the Lake Holcombe Town Hall, from noon to 4 p.m. There will be fun for the kids and bucket raffles for a variety of prizes, with all proceeds to go toward the construction and maintenance of the memorial.

“Construction of the memorial is still in progress, but the raising of the flags is a magnificent testimony to the dedication and commitment that the Holcombe community has for this immense project,” said Mataczynski.

More funds are needed to complete the memorial, so if anyone can contribute to the project, they can send a check to P.O. Box 274, Holcombe, WI 54745; make a donation through PayPal, at holcombeareaveteransmemorial. com; or a tax deductible contribution through the Community Foundation of Chippewa County.

“Our veterans have given their all to serve this great country, and more than deserve to be honored at this wonderful memorial,” said Mataczynski.