On Sunday the Milwaukee Police Post 415 and Firefighter Post 426 of the American Legion host a joint Armistice / Veterans Day ceremony at the Milwaukee County War Memorial. Veterans, family members, and the Secretary of Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs were among those in attendance.
Mark Galaszewski, a Veteran Marine Gunnery Sergeant, says it's important that civilians understand the importance of the day. It's about thanking those, including veterans' family members, for sacrifices they make. He says the day will always mean more to those who actually do more.
"I think that we should seek out those veterans. Especially those in our neighborhoods that we know they are veterans. Do something kind for them," says Galaszewski.
During the ceremony, Veteran Affairs Secretary Daniel Zimmerman, thanks the service men and women for their service. Zimmerman then challenges the audience to think about what Veterans Day really means.
Nursing students at Marquette University say it's a day to show true support. These students are part of the university's Veteran Affairs Nursing Academic Partnership Program. The nurses take classes at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center. Marquette University Senior, Maria Wilson, is among a small group chosen lay a memorial wreath near Eternal Flame.
"It was really big honor to be able to be part of the ceremony and be able to lay down the wreath. It definitely felt like a very special moment to be part of," says Wilson.
She and her classmates say this program has really helped guide their nursing career after graduation. They each hope to continue working at the Zablocki VA Medical Center once they pass their nursing exams.
"Really enjoy working with veterans. I think they're a really special population. It feels good to be able to give back to these people that have given so much for us and our country," says Wilson.
