Sunday, June 1, 2008
The weather was perfect for this year’s annual ceremonies and
program at the Wisconsin Korean War Veterans Memorial complex in
Plover.
After Presentation of the Colors and the playing of the national
anthems of the Republic of Korea and the United States of America, a
special tribute in honor of Wisconsin men and women killed in Iraq
and Afghanistan was held, which included remarks by LTC Gary Skon,
WIARNG and reading by MAJ Gwendolyn Sheppard, USAFR of the names of
those Killed in Action since last year’s ceremony. Both officers had
been deployed to Theater.
Main speaker for the event was COL Raymond Boland, USA-Ret.,
Civilian Aide to Secretary of the Army and former Wisconsin
Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Master-of-Ceremonies Cliff Borden
spoke of the upcoming major Reconstruction Project to take place in
the September to November time frame. Borden, on behalf of the
Memorial Board, personally thanked State Senator Julie Lassa for her
amendment to the State Biennial Budget which provided $165,00 in
matching funds which will make repairs to the causeway and island
possible. Dan Mahoney, Plover Village Administrator further
elaborated on details of the reconstruction.
Other speakers on the program included Dan Naylor, representing the
Board of Veterans Affairs and the WDVA. The Honorable Young Yong
Lee, Deputy Consul General for the ROK Consulate General in Chicago,
praised the Wisconsinites who fought and died to save South Koreans
from Communist domination more than 55 years ago.
Seong Shin Ra of Seoul and Madison – an accomplished coloratura
soprano – entertained the audience by singing a capella, “Danny Boy”
and the traditional Korean ballad “Arirrang.”
The program concluded with laying of ceremonial wreaths by Senior
Boy Scouts of Plover Troop 201, prayers by Chaplain Sharon Pieper,
the firing of volleys and the sounding of “TAPS” by trumpeter Bob
Kitto. Greater Plover Memorial Post No. 10262 furnishes the official
Memorial Honor Guard and Firing Detail for the annual ceremonies
held each June.
The program concluded, the audience visited the island memorial, and
many enjoyed lunch served in the park shelter by the Portage County
Detachment of the Marine Corps League.
On Sunday, June 7, 2009 there will be a special REDEDICATION of the
Memorial, celebrating the completion of the major reconstruction
project, estimated to cost $330,000.
