July 4 marked 'mission accomplished' for Highland Veterans Memorial Wall
Belleville News-DemocratJul 12, 2018
Secured directly in the middle of the right side of the new Veterans Memorial Wall at
On
"That was the first time I had ever seen it," Kimberlin said.
Korte, 15 other fellow service members who were all killed during either World War, as well as Highland's only police officer killed in the line of duty, are remembered on the new memorial.
"They really did a fabulous job. It really looks nice," Kimberlin said.
Kimberlin was among many who bared the hot, summer sun on the
"Well, the turnout really was exceptionally good. But we really did expect that," said Mayor
For the ceremony, large American flags were painted in the turf on the mound behind the wall, courtesy of the city of Highland. Stationed behind the wall, flags of each military branch waved in the breeze.
Once everybody took their seats, the ceremony was opened by the American Legion Post
After the flag raising, the crowd bowed their heads as the Rev.
"For these, our Highland heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our people on the altar of freedom, today, on this 244th year of our beloved land, the people of Highland give you thanks, in our Lord
It was at this time that Kimberlin, and the other attending
"But we persevered, and the task was completed," Halcomb said.
Halcomb's speech was followed by a tribute to the veterans given by state Rep.
"I hope, as people go buzzing by in their busy schedules, that they think about what this memorial means and the people who gave everything so that we can have what we have today," Meier said.
Then, the keynote speaker, Mayor Michaelis took to the podium.
Michaelis was asked to speak, because he was one of the "largest proponents for
Michaelis said that it was not too long ago that the road, the park and the memorial items were just visions in his mind.
"It was my quest, my idea to recognize veterans, not just by naming this boulevard
During his speech, Michaelis brought the project committee up in front of the crowd for recognition. The committee members were Halcomb, VFW member and past commander
"On three, I'm going to ask you to say, 'Mission accomplished,' to these people," Michaelis said with a smile and a clenched fist.
"Mission accomplished," the crowd echoed.
Michaelis' speech was followed by the benediction, also given Chapman. Afterward, the committee marched a red, white and blue carnation wreath to wall, where it was placed before the center plaque that reads: "All Gave Some, Some Gave All."
After a moment of silence for fallen heroes, the ceremony was closed with a rifle salute and the playing of Taps.
"It gave me chills," said
Like Kimberlin, Cicero also represented someone on one of the plaques on the wall. Pvt.
In addition to having a family member on the wall, Cicero had three memorial bricks placed before the wall for her father, brother, and a distant relative named
"There was such a wonderful turnout. I think it was such an emotional situation for those who didn't even have loved ones there," Cicero said.
Citizens were able to order bricks or a granite slab in honor of any local veteran or first-responder (police officer, firefighter or EMT), living or dead, to help pave the area before the wall. These pavers are still being sold after the dedication, and will continue to be sold until otherwise announced. Order forms will still be available at the
After the ceremony, American flag painted rocks were also placed above each of the soldiers plaques.
"It made me cry. And people who did the dedication, it came from their heart, and I really appreciated them," Fontana said.
Those who wish to visit the memorial will find it on the south side of
The same flag raised during the dedication will continue to fly behind the wall. Lights have been stationed to keep the flag lit after dark, so those driving by may be able to see it and remember the lives that are represented below.
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