• Tweet
• Share
• Email
• Print

GREEN BAY-APPLETON, WI--In northeast Wisconsin, our local veterans are recognized for their service. It's an emotional day for some, a day of celebration for others.

Veterans say while a big part of the day is coming together to share war stories, the more somber but most important part of Veterans Day is remembering those who lost their lives serving our country.

"Those who gave even more than us are definitely rememberd. There are a lot of us who aren't here to enjoy these ceremonies and I think they're the ones who should be really appreciated" said Vietnam veteran David Catalano.

For Catalano, the Veterans Day ceremony in Green Bay is a tribute filled with tradition, a salute to him and others who served.

"These are the people who made sacrifices who fought for our freedoms. For our liberties. You have to remember that. You can't take that for granted" said Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt.

Beth Aschenbrenner and her father WW2 veteran Walter Jacobs appreciate the day. Her father wears his air force pin proudly.

"Its so important to see the support the community is giving the vets for all their hard work and sacrifices" said Aschenbrenner.

In Appleton the Veterans Day gathering is a time for veterans to share war stories and teach other about the history of our nation.

"You don't learn things like that in the book or at school. These are great history lessons for what these people went through" said Jeff Zwiers.

And for veterans like Catalano a few kind words go a long way.

"Just say thank you for your service. It means so much" said Catalano.

In honor of our veterans a large flag hangs in downtown Green Bay at the corner of Washington and Walnut streets. Veterans day events continue into Monday which is a federal holiday.