Veterans Day observed by thousands across Milwaukee on Wednesday to honor service, sacrifice
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Wednesday, Nov. 11, marked Veterans Day, which honors veterans from all branches of the military for their service and sacrifice.
At Wisconsin Lutheran High School, hundreds of students, veterans and their families, and city leaders gathered inside the gym for the school's 33rd annual Veterans Day observance event.
This year's keynote speaker was Lt. Gen. Johnny K. Davis, a Milwaukee resident and Purple Heart recipient.
“Veterans are mothers and fathers. They are sons and daughters. Brothers and sisters, neighbors, and classmates," Davis said to the crowd. "We must never let their service and sacrifice be taken for granted. We must never allow their stories to fade."
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson told students in his speech that anyone can serve, no matter where one is in life.
"While not everybody will choose military service, every one of us has the opportunity within ourselves to serve our community and our country in very meaningful ways," Johnson said. "You can serve by doing some simple stuff every day. You can help a neighbor. You can stand up for somebody in our community that needs support. You can serve by volunteering. You can choose a career dedicated to making a difference right here in our community."
Just a few miles away near Milwaukee's lakefront, more veterans and other government officials stood by the War Memorial Center for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly refurbished Southeastern Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
First dedicated in 1991, the memorial had been damaged by the elements after standing for decades.
So, officials decided to properly restore it with a project that cost nearly $1 million.
"It was in disrepair, and the quality of the monument did not match the quality of our Vietnam veterans' service, so frankly, it was beat down and in bad need of restoration and repair," said retired Maj. Gen. Brian Winski, president and CEO of the center.
The three pillars represent the men and women who were killed in Vietnam, prisoners of war and those missing, and those who are still alive today.
For Tom Hayes, who is a Gold Star family member, the pillars also serve as a remembrance for his brother, Capt. Patrick Hayes, who was an Air Force navigator for a Phantom jet.
"His plane crashed on Dec. 1, 1969, and sadly, I answered the door and I knew immediately," Hayes said. "It brings a lot of sadness and happiness at the same time, remembering my brother Patrick."
Hayes added that out of seven children, Patrick had been the favorite — and seeing everyone show up Wednesday to recognize Veterans Day meant everything.
"Oh, he would be so proud," Hayes said.