(Press Release) Marshfield— A very emotional exhibit, “Remembering Our Fallen,” will open November 13 at noon at University of Wisconsin-Marshfield/Wood County with a special opening ceremony in the Hamilton Roddis Memorial Library.

This exhibit is a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by almost 130 Fallen who called Wisconsin home that were killed in The War on Terror while wearing our country’s uniform in Afghanistan or Iraq. The photo display will be coming to Marshfield, hometown of SSG Joseph Altmann, who died in Afghanistan in 2011.

Jan Altmann, Joseph Altmann’s mother, spearheaded the effort to bring the exhibit to the community. She first learned of the exhibit when it opened in Madison. “It is very powerful to see the faces of those lost. They never viewed themselves as heroes. They were just doing their job,” she said.

The exhibit was created by Patriotic Productions in Omaha, Nebraska and is sponsored by Bellevue University. Dryhootch will be responsible for moving the exhibit from community to community.

“We can never forget those who sacrificed everything for our freedom. We must remember these American Heroes and speak their names when we see their family members,” said Dr. Mary Hawkins, President of Bellevue University (financial sponsor of the display). “Bellevue University has always had strong ties to our military and strongly believes in this project.”

This exhibit is free and open to the public and will be on display until November 30. Hours are Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit will also be open for viewing November 13 until 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Hamilton Roddis Memorial Library is in the Helen Connor Laird Fine Arts Building, UW-Marshfield/Wood County, 2000 West 5th Street, Marshfield.

“We received such support from the Marshfield community. It has been key to keeping us going. Hosting it at the UW was such a good fit. Joe was an alumni and the display has a great educational component,” Jan Altmann said.

Since September 11, 2001, 127 Wisconsin residents have died from injuries sustained in uniform in a war zone.

“This display is a way for people to see the faces and the names of our heroes. That helps keep them alive,” Jan Altmann said.

“Remembering Our Fallen” is sponsored locally by the following organizations: American Legion Post 54, Marshfield VFW, Marshfield Firefighters Local 1021, Gold Star Mothers and Joe Altmann Memorial Fund and UW-Marshfield/Wood County.