people stop in their tracks. ….

people stop in their tracks. People stop and they start reading everything.”

Hebert said the interest in the replica leads visitors to discussions about the use of the atomic bomb. She’s heard children of World War II veterans who say, “their father was completely supportive of dropping that bomb” as Japan was not expected to surrender the mainland without a fight to the death.

“There’s discussion of ‘Should it have been done?’” Hebert said. “With all of the discussion, we’re happy. It worked the way we hoped that it would.”

Little Boy is not on display right now, and is residing in a crate to make room for other displays. It will be out again from Aug. 3-9, the week of the anniversary of the use of the real bomb. It will come back out starting in mid-September, and will be on display the majority of the time. Hebert said it is also mobile with the cart and can be taken to schools and other venues for educational purposes. It also will be a main focus when fifthgraders from around the area visit the Highground for the annual October education days events.

Hebert said both Combat Parts and Kulas Body Shop went out of their way to make sure Little Boy was done well so it would have the impact it has.

“Their enthusiasm was really cool,” she said. “Their workmanship was really almost artistic.”

Hammel said the project was a meaningful one for him and his employees. When someone comments to him that making Little Boy must have been difficult, he demurs.

“This is easy. I didn’t have to be in the war,” he said.

“This is a privilege and and an honor to do this.”

Pictured is the completed replica of the Little Boy atomic bomb produced by Combat Parts of Abbotsford which is on display at The Highground near Neillsville.