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• River Falls veterans will try again for memorial project program

By Phil Pfuehler, RiverTown Staff

Holding an event outdoors leaves you at the mercy of the weather. Wisconsin weather, especially in early spring, often doesn't cooperate.

And so it went this cold, snowy and windy past weekend, as the big kickoff program at Greenwood Cemetery for building a veterans memorial had to be canceled.

"It was a hard call to have to make," admitted Bernie Abrahamson, a project organizer. "We had a great program planned and expected a large turnout."

Abrahamson said the cancelation was made out of concern for spectator comfort. The blustery conditions also made it risky for a planned parachute jump with a flag display.

The revised plan is to combine the veterans memorial project program with the annual Memorial Day parade/service set for Monday morning, May 26.

Abrahamson said the project's original program will be scaled back to accommodate the usual Memorial Day activities.

The memorial, designed by local architect and veteran Neil Anderson, will be built next year at Greenwood Cemetery. The design includes stone markers, flags, arched pathway, lights, landscaping and commemorative granite pavers.

The $350 pavers have space for a three-line inscription that honors the memory of a veteran with name, service branch and years served.

Abrahamson called the commemorative pavers "the heart and soul of the project's fundraising."

The pavers are now on sale at most local banks along with a mock-up display of the memorial.