BURLINGTON, Wis. — Veterans Day celebrations taking place in Southeast Wisconsin look different amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some events are socially distanced and require everyone to wear masks. Others are happening completely virtually. However, all events have the same intention, honoring past and present veterans.
At Veterans Terrace in Burlington, Racine County veterans gathered to mark the 75th anniversary of VFW Anderson-Murphy Post 2823.
"We thought we could do it safely so, we wanted to go forward with it. We thought that’s very important," said Dave Barkei, VFW 2823 Post Commander. "We don’t want to ever forget our veterans. It’s very important to us that we have these periodic ceremonies so that its kept in place,"
Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and State Commander Jason E. Johns both spoke at the event.
Food, resource bags, and gifts were provided to guests as well.
Many annual celebrations have been scaled back or are happening virtually.
Arlington National Cemetery streamed a ceremony online and video showed President Trump and Vice President Pence in attendance there.
The Milwaukee VA hospital canceled in-person events, sharing a video of retrospective of classic moments from previous ceremonies instead.
No matter how Wisconsinites decided to honor veterans on November 11th, the sacrifice that veterans make was top of mind for many.
"It’s important that everyone understands the sacrifice that all veterans make. [Veterans] that are not with us today but also ones that did serve that are here with us. [Veterans] sacrifice holidays away, time away from family, in order to protect the freedoms that we have. Now, we're back home and were part of it but it's important that we remember the sacrifices that all veterans have made," said Zachary Zdroik, Racine County Veterans Service Officer.
