We need you, to keep on doing what we’re doing!

In solemn remembrance of lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 1940, a ceremony was held Dec. 7, at the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial. There, a single wreath was placed, showing respect for those who died that day long ago. Submitted Photo

By Ginna Young

Even though things have slowed down at the site of the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial, work continues on in a different way. Before the weather turned cold, Planning Committee members Ron Jiskra and David Staudacher did a lot of grading/ leveling, while chair of the Planning Committee Jim Mataczysnki, is working with a volunteer on the plans for landscaping in the spring.

The beginning of December, the group had a retirement for the service flags surrounding the American flag and are going to replace them. They will see if they can repair some to have as a spare, in the event one gets completely ripped or would blow away in a strong wind.

“We took the flags down, because they were very, very tattered,” said Planning Committee member Rhonda Matacyznski.

The group is also thinking ahead to the annual St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser, with planning in the initial stages. And while there’s a lot to be worked out, a digital sign has been discussed that would be installed near the highway, with the group wanting to see if the town wants to go in halves with the group, so it can be multipurpose.

The memorial also needs new or returning members, as meetings are sparsely attended. So, any member is asked to invite one person to attend the next meeting.

“What can we do to get you back?” asked R. Mataczysnki.

As for meetings, they have been moved to the first Wednesday of the month, in order to get coordinated for reports/financials with the town board, which is the second Thursday of the month. Election of the officers will also be up for grabs soon, with the memorial taking care of that on their own.

“Our group votes as to who we want to lead our group,” said R. Mataczynski.

She also reported that the memorial received $500 from Twice Blessed Retail Shop in Bloomer.

“It’s a nice little resale shop there on Main Street,” said R. Mataczysnki.

Funds are very much needed, to continue on with the work that has already taken place with the memorial, so if anyone is thinking about purchasing a memory stone, now is the time to contact the group and do so, as they will be placed in the upcoming phase of the project.

“It’s gonna happen,” said J. Mataczysnki. “So, start buying them.”