FENNIMORE, Wis. — Family and friends gathered on 12th street in Fennimore, better known as Memorial Drive, once again in honor of three servicemen who lost their lives in Vietnam for a rededication ceremony.
The city first dedicated the street in 1970 to Donald Smith, Pete Novinska, and Francis Mulvey, three friends who grew up together on that very street and died within a year of one another in service of their country.
Saturday morning’s rededication ceremony featured an unveiling of three new memorial signs which unlike the old ones included the names of all three men, the dates they died and a dedication in their honor.
“It means that people didn’t forget and sometimes I think we all think nobody gives a damn but obviously they do,” said brother to Novinska and fellow serviceman, Stephen Novinska.
Fennimore’s mayor Ryan Boebel said the new signs were overdue and hopes they can be a conversation starter for people passing by and generations to come.
“I didn’t want the story to get lost,” said Boebel.
As for the old signs, those are being given to the families of the fallen men.
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