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Speakers salute the flag as Amy Thiel (background) conducts the Oconto Falls High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble in the national anthem, during the dedication program Saturday for the new community veterans monument. From left, Superintendent Dean Hess, American Legion Post 302 Commander Terris Umentum, Beverly Umentum, Vaughn Spaulding, Steve Magnin, Paula Gardipee, the Rev. Gary Olson and Madeline Maloney, a Washington Middle School student who read the poem “I Am Your Flag.” (Warren Bluhm | NEW Media)
The plaza of the new Oconto Falls Area Veterans Monument was filled to overflowing after the Nov. 9 dedication ceremony. (Warren Bluhm | NEW Media)
The Oconto Falls Area Veterans Monument was almost completed when this photo was taken in mid-October. (Warren Bluhm | NEW Media)
Construction of the monument is being funded through the sale of “bricks,” actually bronze plaques with the names of honored veterans or donors along its walls. (Warren Bluhm | NEW Media)
A veteran and his faithful companion check out the veterans monument prior to the dedication ceremony, which was held up the street at Oconto Falls High School. (Warren Bluhm | NEW Media)
Gerald Linzmeyer, adjutant for Eick-Sankey American Legion Post 302, takes pictures of the new veterans monument after the dedication ceremony and formal flag-raising. (Warren Bluhm | NEW Media)
Rod Goodell tightens the screws sealing a time capsule to be opened Nov. 9, 2044, the 25th anniversary of the dedication ceremony. “You’re all invited back; I’ll be 90 years old,” organizer Bob Maloney told the crowd. (Warren Bluhm | NEW Media)
Among the items placed in the time capsule are the dedication program, an American Legion poppy, the Panther Pride newsletter, a flash drive, a flip phone, a phone book, stamps commemorating the Appolo 11 50th anniversary, a Witt’s Piggly Wiggly flyer, an Oconto Falls centennial coin, a sheet about 2019 prices and pop culture, a Legion Riders coin, and last week’s edition of the Oconto County Times Herald.
The original artist's rendering of the Oconto Falls Area Veterans Monument. (Contributed)