Wisconsin marks 25 years since 9/11 with service, remembrance ceremonies

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) — Communities across southeastern Wisconsin came together Friday to mark 25 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and honor the nearly 3,000 people who were killed.

In Delafield, Gov. Tony Evers and members of his administration participated in a day of service at Kettle Moraine State Forest, where dozens gathered to pay tribute.

Evers declared Friday a Day of Service and Remembrance in Wisconsin, honoring those who lost their lives in the attacks.

At the time of the Sept. 11 attacks, Evers was serving as Wisconsin's assistant state superintendent and was driving to work in Madison when he learned what was happening.

"Anybody alive at that time remembers exactly where they were that day, and I remember exactly where we were," Evers said. "Even with all the stuff that's going on — elections and other things — people from Wisconsin came together pretty well, and this is one of those days."

Evers encouraged Wisconsinites to honor the anniversary through service and remembrance.

In Milwaukee, the Milwaukee VA held a wreath-laying ceremony at Wood National Cemetery to honor seven local veterans who lost their lives in the wars that followed Sept. 11.

VA leaders spoke about the veterans, who were from communities across southeastern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Greenfield, Cedarburg, Brookfield, Menomonee Falls, Hartford and New Berlin.

Post-9/11 veterans also spoke during the ceremony, reflecting on the passage of a quarter-century and the importance of continuing to educate future generations about the attacks and those who served afterward.

"I think a day like that, it inspired many of us from that generation to want to serve," said Joe Trovato, director of public affairs with the Milwaukee VA. "It inspired many of us to just live a better life as well and live a life worthy of the sacrifice of post-9/11 veterans and all the people that lost their lives."

Those wishing to pay their respects to the seven fallen local service members can find their graves in Section 49 of Wood National Cemetery.