Richard Eibenholzl was honored in late July with a Legacy Stone placed in his memory at The HighGround Veterans Memorial Park in Neillsville.
The stone was placed by members of the John Owen Amerian Legion Post 287 of Mattoon, of which Eibenholzl was also a member.
Eibenholzl died Feb. 6, 2020.
Eibenholzl served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. he earned the rank of Spec 4 on May 14, 1966 and was stationed on Okinawa, Japan.
He was heavily involved in the Legion Post 287 and its activities for many years. His involvement included making brats for donations, selling tickets and setting up for a wrestling match funraiser, assisting in a comedy show and marching in Community Parades and Funeral Honors.
Eibenholzl also showed compassion, having the patience when it came to showing the Mattoon Cub Scouts the right way to fold the American Flag-all the time smiling with pride in sharing the youths of the Mattoon Community. In return, the Scouts appreciated the soldier, veteran and adult whom took time to be with them.
"Though he was having health problems, he never lost that smile he always had on wherever he went," according to a statement by the Post.
Along with other families at the Legacy Stone Ceremony, Eibenholzl's family were present.
The ceremony began with the ringing of the Highground Liberty Bell as colors were presented by all Legions present for the Ceremonies. The Legacy Stones were placed, as family members shared stories of their loved ones being honored.
. Following the placement of the final stone, a 21-gun salute was given to recognize all veterans present, alive and deceased.
Though John Owen American Legion Post 287 sponsored this Legacy Stone in Eibenholzl's memory, it was also for the Post to show what an honor and how much his friendship meant to all he touched in life.
