The Chippewa Falls Area History Center is honoring Vietnam Vets, by name and face
CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – The Chippewa Area History Center brought an honorable mention to all the men who fought in the Vietnam War and displayed the exhibit this weekend. First News at NIne's Alania Claudio has more.
The State of Wisconsin brought a special piece of memorabilia to honor Vietnam War veterans to the Chippewa Valley. Except, it wasn't just any war memorabilia. This time, they put a face to every name displayed. The goal is to show Wisconsin veterans they will never be forgotten for their service. Martin Treptow, a Chippewa Falls-born Vietnam veteran, explains, "Of the Vietnam veterans in Wisconsin that died in Vietnam. This is a very unique exhibit about Vietnam veterans, and you have the human connection to it which is very very unique."
From A to Z, county by county, the men who were drafted or enlisted in the war were recognized with their photo, name and hometown. Treptow gave the idea of showing the exhibit to the Chippewa Area History Center. Seeing it in person he says brings back the emotions of fighting alongside these men, "It's important to honor our deceased veterans on Veteran's Day as well, and more importantly, it's important to honor the families of the veterans, that's the key thing to me."
He also gave a special thank you to those who helped the soldiers overseas, "I want to call out for the nurses in Vietnam as well because they don't get any credit. And there are fallen nurses from Vietnam that deserve the credit, just as the men do."
Treptow says the exhibit has made community members emotional when seeing the exhibit but they, and the History Center, are grateful the stories are being shared. Frank Smoot, Director of the Chippewa Area History Center, says, "And if we don't capture their stories, if we don't tell their stories, if we don't make an effort, then the stories just kind of become part of a hazy past.
"In every war since statehood, Chippewa County has met that challenge and so we're doubly proud to have this panel here."
The Vietnam War exhibit is set to move to Bloomer after this weekend.
