by Julie Rossman
A small crowd of community members, students and school officials and local dignitaries gathered Monday on the snowy front lawn of Union Grove Union High School, attending a special Veterans Day tribute to honor three graduates who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
A new garden area now in place at the high school, complete with a new bench and plaque, honors the lives of:
• Tech. Sgt. Elmer R. Hansen, a 1940 graduate who served with the U.S. 5th Army Air Force;
• Pvt. Wayne F. Bullis, of the 1st Cavalry Division, who attended Union Grove through January 1950; and
• Spc. Jason D. Wildfong, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician with the U.S. Army, from the class of 1989.
Seniors Amanda Boss and Dylan Sauder, representing Badger Girls and Boys State, served as emcees for Monday’s ceremony.
Boss asked all veterans in attendance to raise a hand and told them, “It’s because of you that we can voice our opinions freely, worship as we choose, elect our leaders, receive an education and enjoy all the rights and freedoms we are blessed with here in America.
“Today we honor you and deeply, sincerely thank you for your dedication, bravery and sacrifice.”
Sauder spoke about the significance of Veterans Day, as a day to thank living veterans, but also to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
“America is the land of the free and the home of the brave,” Sauder said, “but, as many gathered here today are painfully aware, not all of the brave return home.”
Sauder went on to read the names of the three fallen Union Grove graduates, whose names are inscribed on a special plaque next to a bench that reads: “In honor and memory of all the brave UGUHS alumni who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty to keep our country free.”
Members of the American Legion Bixby-Hansen Unit 171, Union Grove, were on hand to perform a gun salute, while members of the high school’s choir sang the Star Spangled Banner, and a band member played Taps.
A flag-folding ceremony was performed by Bixby-Hansen Post Commander Frank Konieska and Shannon Heberling, a chief logistics specialist with the United States Navy. The flag will be part of a permanent display in the school’s hallway.
Vice Principal Stacy Mortensen explained in an interview that school officials had seen a need for a dedication space for fallen heroes.
The Bronco Hall of Fame, Mortensen explained, honors graduates who went on to make significant contributions to their communities, while a school trophy case honors graduates who currently serve in the military.
“The new garden area honors those who have graduated from UGUHS or attended during their graduation year, and have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” Mortensen said.
If there are other graduates whose names should be included on the plaque of fallen soldiers, lease contact Mortensen at the school office, (262) 878-2434.
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