Honoring veterans: Ceremony held in downtown Milwaukee; lawmakers issue statements

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The rain moved them inside, but it didn't stop the Veterans Day ceremony in downtown Milwaukee.

Rain moved the ceremony from MacArthur Square to the gym at the Safety Building.

The ceremony was put on by Milwaukee police and Milwaukee firefighters who are American Legion members.

The ceremony ended with a playing of taps and a rifle salute.

This particular event has been taking place since 1939.

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Meanwhile, Governor Scott Walker issued a video message in honor of Veterans Day. That message can be viewed just below.



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Congresswoman Gwen Moore issued this statement on Veterans Day:

“As we observe Veterans Day, let us pay our highest respect to the men and women in uniform who serve and defend our nation. From our Greatest Generation to our heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan, we proudly honor all American service members and the sacrifices they make on our behalf.

Our troops deserve our most sincere appreciation, but admiration alone is not enough. Our country’s investment in our soldiers must extend beyond the battlefield. Our nation’s heroes should never have to face challenges like unemployment, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse alone. Earned benefits, support, and health care should never be an uphill fight.

Effectively addressing the critical issues facing our service members is the best way we can honor their sacrifice. On this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to those touched by the profound impact of war and the families they return to."


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United States Senator Tammy Baldwin issued this statement on Veterans Day:

“This Veterans Day, let us join together as a community to pay tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed to protect and defend the American freedoms that we all cherish. Our Veterans across our state and country have lived the values we pay tribute to on Veterans Day – duty, honor, and service. It is that sense of service - both as soldiers and as members of our community – that inspires us today. Service that defines the humble Wisconsin values we share, service that defines our proud American values.

Wisconsin is home to nearly 400,000 veterans. These brave men and women in uniform have made great sacrifices on our behalf. I believe we have a shared responsibility to ensure that when they return home, they have access to the care they need and the benefits they’ve earned and deserve. Now more than ever, with troops having recently returned home from two long wars, we must never forget that every soldier makes a sacrifice that they bring home as a veteran.

Our veterans have done more for our country than anyone could ever expect so they need to know that their service is an inspiration every citizen in Wisconsin. And they need to know that we are standing with them, always. So this Veterans Day, and every day, let us remember we have a shared responsibility to keep our promise to our veterans, wounded warriors, and our military families.  We all have a role to play. So let us commit ourselves to ensuring that no veteran or military family is left alone to deal with the sacrifice, struggle and challenges they face. Let us all do our part to serve those who have served us and the great nation we are blessed to call home.”