NEILLSVILLE, WI (OnFocus) – On Sunday, August 4, 306 Vietnam veterans and their guests provided a well-deserved welcome to 113 bicyclists and SAG teams from all over Wisconsin as they peddled into The Highground for the culmination of the 40th Annual Heroes Ride Bike Tour. To celebrate the momentous event, The Highground thought it fitting to host its Vietnam Veteran Reunion on the same day, bringing the inspiration for the veterans park and the event that has continued to support the inspiration together at one place.
The riders began their journey on August 2. After spending months preparing, training, and gathering their sponsors, they endured the two-three days of blisters, sore muscles, fatigue, sunburn, windburn, chaffing and summer heat. It is, without a doubt, The Highground’s most understated event of the year.
The Eastern Route riders led by Curt and Oran Braatz were the first to arrive. After many hugs and pats on the back for their accomplishment, they, in turn, welcomed the Southwestern Route led by Terri Stott. The Western Route arrived next led by Cole Peterson and Jerry Simon followed by the Northern Route led by Mike and Kathy Gleisner. The Southern Route was unable to participate this year due to unexpected circumstances. They were greatly missed.
After the traditional route photos were taken at the Fragments Tribute, riders sat together with Vietnam veterans sharing the “Heroes family meal.” In years past, the riders would welcome a short ceremony to close this event, but this year marks a huge milestone and The Highground didn’t pull any stops. The Army State Honor Guard presented colors to initiate the ceremony.
Founder Tom Miller, whose vision was to create what is now known as The Highground, was originally slated to speak during this year’s ceremony; however, unforeseen circumstances prevented him from attending the event. Executive Director Chris Pettis delivered Tom’s inspiring words of thanks for the supporting efforts of each rider, family member and SAG team that have made The Highground their mission. He delivered words of encouragement to younger generations of riders and veterans to maintain resilience and courage now and into the future. Chris recognized the youngest rider, 9-year-old Olivia Osmak, and the oldest rider, 90-year-old Bob Simonson, with a commemorative executive director coin.
Each rider and SAG team received a certificate of appreciation for their participation in the 40th annual ride. The Highground also acknowledged several riders for their continued support and participation with a certificate noting the number of years they have participated in the Heroes Ride.
As the ceremony ended, The Highground and all four routes remembered the bicyclists who shared the road with them in years past with the reading of their names along with 60 Vietnam KIA names. The Highground extends its congratulations and gratitude for a tremendous job well done to the route leaders: Jerry Simon and Cole Peterson of the Western Route; Curt and Oran Braatz of the Eastern Route; Terri Stott of the Southwestern Route; and Kathy and Mike Gleisner of the Northern Route; and all the riders and support personnel; and every individual rider sponsor.
What this amazing group of riders accomplished will carry The Highground into 2025. Because of their perseverance and dedication, the 40th ride raised $74,222.00.
As in years past, The Heroes Ride will incur some changes moving forward and The Highground and the riders enthusiastically anticipate what that will look like. That aside, it will remain The Highground’s largest and longest running annual event. It will continue to watch as older generations inspire the next to participate and remember the long-time riders and friends as they retire from the physical demands.
The Highground staff and riders are grateful for all the event and route sponsors: Marine Corps League Det. 552, American Legion Trier-Puddy Post 75, Thrivent, Marshfield Firefighters Association Local 1021, The Sports Den, American Legion Bemis-Hunter Auxiliary Unit 379, Lowe Advertising, Wisconsin Veteran Farm LLC & Winery, Bernards Northtown Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram, Custom Heating & Cooling, NEI Electric Inc., Teamsters Local Union No. 662, American Legion Bemis-Hunter Post 379, New Moon Ski & Bike, Benck Mechanical Inc., J&L Auto Service, Ready Randy’s Sports Bar & Grill, VFW Post 8514, Kwik Trip Inc., Stache Bike & Adventure, American Legion Post 263, VFW Post 1037, VFW Auxiliary 10262, American Legion Post 54, American Legion Post 118, American Legion Post 218, American Legion Post 268, American Legion Post 353, American Legion 425, Blue Hills Kiwanis, Gross Auto Group-Neillsville, Our Lady of Sorrows, VFW Post 9464, American Legion Auxiliary Post 301, American Legion Post 301, Deer’s Bar, Gibby’s Lanes, VFW Post 1039, VFW Post 6550 and VFW Post 305.
Details regarding next year’s ride will be available at thehighgroundheroesride.com later this year. For more information about The Highground, visit their website at thehighground.us or follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheHighgroundVeteransMemorial.
The Highground is located at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville WI 54456. thehighground.us.
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Author: News Desk
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