The work of artist Bob Kanyusik, the late UW–Platteville professor Weldon T. “Bud” Wall and his students was honored at a tribute ceremony at The Highground in Neillsville Saturday.

“Fragments,” a statue dedicated in 1988 to the sacrifice made by Wisconsin natives during the Vietnam War, was honored during the 25th anniversary event. The names of 1,244 servicemen killed in action or missing in action are included on statue’s bronze wind chimes.

In 1986, Kanyusik won a competition and was commissioned to produce the sculpture. In 1987, he completed the clay portion of the statue at Nicolet College in Rhinelander, where he was an instructor.

Throughout the remainder of 1987 and into 1988, Wall and his students at UW–Platteville worked to cast the statue in bronze.

“I was pleased with the final result,” said Kanyusik. “They did an exceptional job. Bud’s expertise was essential to completing the project.”

The statue was dedicated at The Highground on Sept. 18, 1988.

Kanyusik and Wall were friends throughout Kanyusik’s years of teaching at UW–Platteville in 1972–73 and again from 1977 to 1980.