Memorial Day cycle ride to Highground raised $13,000
More than 250 riders from Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and as far as Florida rallied for the 12th Annual Honor Ride to Honor the Fallen on Memorial Day.
For their planning expertise and guidance along scenic routes, The Highground is tremendously grateful to the volunteer ride leaders: Bill Flemal of Appleton, Dominic Anderson of Richland Center, Del Scanlon of Reedsburg, Wade Hartung of Eau Claire, Kennith Lanier of Minocqua, Jason Shearier of Lake Mills, Dennis Fick of Merrill and Mark Dawson of Neillsville. All the routes connected at the American Legion Post #73 in Neillsville. With the intent to memorialize the service men and women who died in battle or as a result of their battle wounds, the riders took their place in the procession through Neillsville and out to The Highground where they participated in a Memorial Day Ceremony worthy of the name.
David Carlson, Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran, founder and co-owner of C.C. We Adapt (ccweadapt.com) delivered a gripping and heartfelt speech reflecting on the loss of fellow service members but also on living a life worthy of those valuable sacrifices. Adding to the relevance of the day, the Northwest Region Team of the U.S. Army State Funeral Honors Team, led by NCOIC Sgt. Rave, provided the ceremonial Honor Guard along with an incredibly moving funeral flag folding during the traditional reading of 100 KIA names from the Korean War to present day. The funeral flag was then gently placed at the base of “Fragments”, the Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Tribute.
The Highground continues to focus on veterans and their families with programming designed to relieve burdens and soften memories. With funds raised through the gracious sponsorships, registrations, donations and raffle reaching over $13,000, The Highground’s mission endures.
The Highground offers a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Honor Ride and extends a special thank you to the sponsors who helped make this event a success: Central Wisconsin Broadcasting WCCN/WPKG; WWIS, MEC–Neillsville, American Legion Post #73–Neillsville, Scheels; VFW Riders District 7; Diane Becker; Harley Davidson of Madison; Marks Made 4 U Furniture and More; Bonnie Henchen–Thrivent; Woodfield Inn & Suites–Marshfield; The Nickel Barn & Coffee Shop–Osseo; Lumberyard Bar & Grill–Marshfield; Starbucks–Roselle, IL; Wisconsin Veterans Farm; LLC Winery– Cornell; BP Station–Straton, IL; JBC Screenprinting–Neillsville.
The 13th Annual Honor Ride will be held on May 29, 2023. The Highground invites new riders to join a route, start a new route or ride as an individual and looks forward to seeing everyone next year. For those who would like to join another ride sooner, the 22nd Annual Ride to Remember is coming up on Aug. 20. Visit thehighground.us for details.
