WAUSAU — Not only during the Vietnam War, but in all places of combat, the people involved experience violent and tragic events. Vietnam veteran and Weston resident Mort McBain will address this when he presents “Guilt, Survivorship and the Trauma of War” at 2 p.m. June 1 at the Woodson History Center, 410 McIndoe St., Wausau.
McBain will explore the impact of war casualties on the community in general, and compare coping mechanisms and responses with other traumatic or violent incidents that the community has experienced.
McBain served during 1968 as an infantryman and Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol. He was Marathon County administrator for 22 years. In retirement he enjoys church volunteerism, gardening and art, among other things. One of his paintings is owned by the family of the late General Vang Pao, the leader of the Hmong people during the Vietnam Conflict. McBain was instrumental in helping create the Lao/Hmong Veteran’s Memorial on the grounds of the Marathon County Courthouse.
The traveling exhibit, “Wisconsin Remembers: A Face for Every Name,” during May 2019 features a photo for each of the 1,161 Wisconsinites officially listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., plus photos for names that are listed on The Highground Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Neillsville. It will be on display at the Woodson History Center, 410 McIndoe St., Wausau, through June 2.
