Gold Star statue to be unveiled Sept. 27
For the City Times
CENTRAL WISCONSIN – The Gold Star Memorial Statue, honoring mothers left behind due to their son’s “ultimate sacrifice” will be unveiled in central Wisconsin on Sept. 27.
“The bronze statue is a life-size replica of a grief stricken mother grasping the dreaded telegram, steadying herself and looking off into distant but cherished memories. She cries out; tears flowing, as she comes to the painful realization that she will never see her beloved child again. We will never know of her pain,” a Mosinee chamber of commerce release said.
A reception will be held 1-2 p.m., with a ceremony following, at Veterans Memorial Park, 211 Grand Avenue, Rothschild.
“The founder and inspiration for Veteran’s Memorial Park is American Legion Post 492 Chairman, Joe Kelbley, Vietnam Veteran, U.S. Army. Joe has been battling the side effects of Agent Orange exposure. It is our hope to complete this project in his lifetime. With Joe’s goal in mind, and with your help, Post 492 would like to present the statue on Gold Star Families’ Day,” the release added.
In July, the American Legion Post No. 492 representatives, Debra Denissen and Paul Gwidt, accepted a check originally from the Marathon County Tavern League of $800, which was then matched by the Wisconsin Tavern League. Multiple donations were received to bring the memorial statue to reality.