MONROE — On July 5, many veterans, families and friends gathered at the Green County Veteran’s Memorial Park for the dedication and completion of the Hall of Honor as well as recognizing numerous other donations which have been made throughout the year.
The Hall of Honor now houses the Star of Honor, which displays the seven generals from Green County. This includes General Nathan F. Twining, General Merrill B. Twining, Major General Charles G. Treat, Major General Don S. Wenger, Vice Admiral Walter C. Schindler, Brigadier General Fred W. Byers and Major General Nathan J. Lindsay. The Star of Honor also lists the KIA’s, POW’s as well as major contributors to the development of the park.
William Hustad, GCVMP President, emceed the event, which began with the presentation of colors by the Rock County Sheriff’s Department Color Guard. Lori Smith, Anne Lindsay and Susi Brummett (daughters of the late General Nathan James Lindsay Sr.) sang the National Anthem.
Nathan James Lindsay Jr, Retired USAF Colonel and son of General Lindsay gave the address. In the midst of a chaotic world, he delivered a very moving and challenging speech on the 244th anniversary of our nation’s independence. He applauded the committee for their vision, patience and “courage to build a monument during a sad time in our nation’s history when people are tearing them down.”
He reminded everyone that freedom isn’t free and that independence and freedom come with a cost - a price paid by the many people represented in the Veteran’s Park. Lindsay challenged everyone “to honor our living veterans in a meaningful way and pass down a sense of national pride and patriotism.” He also reminded everyone that “veterans don’t deserve to come home to an ungrateful nation unwilling to receive them.”
Lindsay closed his speech by saying that “our country is losing its way. We are divided more by our differences than united by a common purpose.” Paula Wenger (daughter of the late General Don Wenger) resides in New York and was unable to attend.
Other speakers included Todd Hasse who spoke on behalf of Alvin (Alvie) Riese and the Last Man’s Club #3. A bench honoring these men was dedicated and sits on the cement platform donated by John Wyttenbach and his wife Mary. The Wyttenbachs also donated a Navy anchor and chain and shared some history of their donation. The bench appropriately sits on that pad as Alvie served in the Navy. Mike Doyle, retired Green County Clerk for 31 years, also spoke and shared some history on the placement of the tank as well as Clayton Ruegsegger who spoke on behalf of Green County Veteran’s Service.
A presentation was made to John and Katie Baumann and Colony Brands for their continued support and donations through the years. Donna Douglas, current GCVMP board member, read the list of recent donors from May 2019 through May 31, 2020. Donations included the last man’s bench, bricks, anchor, chain and foundation and numerous financial gifts. Major donors are listed on the Star of Honor which is inside the Hall of Honor. All other donors are listed in the open books which can be viewed outside the Hall of Honor.
The event was appropriately ended with a beautiful rendition of Taps played by Sadie Conway (granddaughter of Junior Robertson) and Gabe Moon.