Just returned from a heartfelt long weekend in Wisconsin - Neillsville, Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. My "One Person Crying: Women and War" exhibition opened at The Highground Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday. http://www.thehighground.org/learning-center/index.html
It is a remarkable place of peace, which sits atop a promontory overlooking a glacial moraine and a view filled with almost one million acres of forest and rolling hills. It began as an idea, to give Vietnam veterans and those who supported them during and after the war, a place to go - to heal and commune. It now includes tributes and memorials for all 20th and 21st century wars that Americans fought in.
I was generously welcomed by the Learning Center director, June Berg, and the staff at The Highground. In addition, board members Steve Maddox and Al Jenkins gave of their time and knowledge with a generosity of spirit that I am ever grateful for.
I have relied on the kindness of strangers my entire career. It has literally propelled me forward in the front seats of cars and saved my life. It is what has gotten me through dark moments when I've seen the measure of humanity at its worst. I'd like to believe that human kindness will always prevail and tip the scale towards the light.
Marissa,
ReplyDeleteIt was a true honor and blessing to have you and One Person Crying: Women and War here at The Highground.
People come to The Highground as Strangers but most leave as Family, and we all here feel you are now a part of our family. Your genuine kindness and vast knowledge and talents have left an impression here that will last a life time.
Thank you for all you do for our Veterans, their families and friends and for all who have suffered the effects of war.
Take Care and God Bless,
June and all the staff at The Highground
Marissa,
ReplyDeleteJust came back from a chiropractor appointment that was 30 miles away from The Highground. The receptionist there told me she was at your reception last weekend and met you. She went on to say how much she learned through your exhibit about women, treatments and war. Many things she didn't know until now and thanked The Highground for bringing such a meaningful exhibit to the area. We always say, "we reach for a hand and often touch a heart" usually touching someone without knowing it.
Thank you again for your talent and the time you spent with us. We hope you will come back and visit again.
Blessings in your future endeavors,
Kay, The Highground Donation Coordinator