By Nancy Quick
Special to the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — There will be a ceremony honoring veterans at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 26, 2017, on the Wood County Courthouse lawn.

The ceremony will include the dedication of one name on the memorial wall, 13 names on legacy stones, and two benches that have been placed on the site. The name of Michael Lockman has been added to the memorial. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 27th Infantry Regiment (Wolfhounds).

One of the benches has the name of Sheriff Thomas Reichert and honors whose who have served their country. The other is in memory of Robert Poplin who served in World War II. Names on the legacy stones honor those who served in the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force including the five Ebsen brothers who served in World War II.

Others who will be honored served in World War I, Korea, Iraq and during peacetime. The names will be read by Karen Schill, a member of the Wood County Veterans Memorial committee. Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Zach Vruwink will be the speaker. Pastor Dan DeRoche of Cross View Church in the ShopKo Mall will offer the invocation and benediction.

Craig Lambert, a Captain in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and Wood County District Attorney, will be the emcee. Music will be provided by East Junior High School students under the direction of Jeanne Olson. Students Harry Lambert and Amanda Kester will lead in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members of American Legion Post 9 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2534 will provide the color guard and rifle salute. Also taking part in the ceremony will be members Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 101, American Legion Post 54, Wisconsin Rapids; Post 442, Nekoosa; Post 485 Rudolph; Post 54, Marshfield; American Legion Riders District 8 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 55.

Other members of the committee are David LaFontaine, Bruce King, Keith McDowell, Diantha Neinfeldt, Nancy Quick, Jim Reigel, Brian Ruesch and Tom Sachs. Dave Hoks and Dale Bowden also will be assisting.

The ceremony will conclude with a 21 gun salute and taps.