08/13/2007 | Multiple Military Groups Joined Veterans Memorial Dedication Ceremony
The Village of Pleasant Prairie would like to extend its deepest thanks to all of the military organizations and individuals that participated in the dedication ceremony for Veterans Memorial Ball Park on Sunday, August 5. In a show of support for the new Veterans Memorial and for the service men and women it honors, groups from all over southeastern Wisconsin joined with the Village Board of Trustees, Village Parks, Plan and Recreation Commissions, Village employees, members of the Fire and Police departments, and area families to dedicate the newly created memorial and renamed park.
Military groups represented at the ceremony included: VFW Wisconsin District 1; Veterans of Foreign Wars - Post 7308 Pleasant Prairie; Kenosha Area Vietnam Veterans; American Legion Milwaukee Women's Post 448; American Legion - David Leet Post 552 - Somers; Navy Club - Ship 40; Korean War Veterans Association - Post 727; Submarine Veterans of World War II; Polish Legion of American Veterans - Post 34; Polish Legion of American Women's Auxiliary; Veterans of Foreign Wars - Brandes Post 8375 Silver Lake; American Legion - Paul Herrick Post 21 - Kenosha; and American Legion - Schultz-Hahn Post 293 - Silver Lake.
Opening remarks were delivered by Village President, John Steinbrink Sr. Steinbrink welcomed the groups and families and expressed gratitude for the legacy left to us by the men and women who have sacrificed and served our country in the armed forces. An invocation was then given by the Reverend Donald Hackbarth. Evan Clark and Robert and Joanne Marfechuk, the family of Private First Class Eric Clark who died in service to his county in Iraq in May of 2006, took part in the raising of the flags.
Kenosha County American Legion Commander Ron Hessil then called out the color guards and spoke to those gathered asking them not to forget our veterans and those who have not returned from service. Commander Hessil also thanked the Village of Pleasant Prairie for building the memorial. A blessing of the site and closing prayer was then lead by the Reverend Hackbarth and was followed by a 3-shot volley and the playing of "Taps."
After the ceremony, several people walked slowly through the memorial reading bricks and benches; others posed for photos in front of the memorial; and still others gathered for conversation. Carolyn Tyler, Commander of the Milwaukee Women's Post 448 of the American Legion, expressed gratitude to the Village for including the group in the ceremony. She commented, "…they've done a remarkable job…" and, "…we are honored…" to have been a part of the ceremony. Ms. Tyler added that she had plans to visit the site again with family for a picnic in Veterans Memorial Ball Park.
Commander Ron Hessil, also shared positive comments about the memorial. He went on to explain that the people involved in the groups who participated in the ceremony, not only served their country while in the military, but are still serving today. He went on to explain that these individuals continue to invest their time and money to help honor our veterans and to promote a better understanding of the sacrifices they have made and that they continue to make today. Veterans groups also provide programs to help families of military personnel in times of need with rent, food, education costs and more. He explained that these groups are there to show support and provide assistance. The Village would like to extend its thanks to Pastor Donald Hackbarth, VFW Pleasant Prairie Post 7308 Sr. Vice-Commander Tom Fredericksen, Bosman Monuments, Great Lakes Electric, Kenosha Grounds Care, Stone Center, Dover Flag and Map, Crown Trophy, Royale House and Culver's of Pleasant Prairie for their participation and support of the event, without which it would not have been the same.
The next dedication ceremony will take place on Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11. Memorial bricks and benches at the site are still available. More information about purchasing memorial bricks or benches as well as video coverage of the memorial ceremony is available at www.PleasantPrairieOnline.com/parksandrec/prairiesprings/veteranmemorial.asp or by calling 262/925-6765.