Southeast Wisconsin Veterans Day: Free meals, deals and ceremonies

Service is not simply something we do. It's a commitment we make to something bigger than ourselves. Well, today we honor and thank the men and women who have served our nation in the military. In many schools, organizations, and businesses will join in recognizing our veterans. There are a number, in fact, of ceremonies and events happening all over our area. And that includes where we find Stephanie Quirk this morning live at Veterans Park. So, Steph, I see crews behind you over there already kind of gearing up for the event. Hey, good morning, Derica and Donovan. That's right. You could see there's a number of crews and they were here early getting ready just outside here near the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial, which is just north of the War Memorial Center here near the lakefront. And actually, this event will take place this morning. It's just in time for Veterans Day. They are unveiling this restoration of the Vietnam War Memorial here. And this is just One of many events that are happening, but let's just break down the details for you this morning. So that event begins here at Veterans Park. At 11 o'clock and in addition to a ribbon cutting, they also will be having speakers including one man who's a Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam veteran. Just for background to this memorial was first dedicated in 1991. It includes nearly 3000 memorial bricks honoring those who served and to name some other events happening in southeast Wisconsin this morning. Well, Wisconsin Lutheran High School is hosting its annual Veterans Day service as well as a breakfast that begins at 730 with that ceremony beginning at nine. UWM is also holding an open house for student veterans and Cabela's in Richfield is offering veterans a free breakfast. But there's also free car washes, free oil changes for veterans. Cousin Subs is offering a free sub. Just a number of Things that are happening in as a way to pay our respects to our veterans and those who sacrificed so much, but one local veteran shared what it meant for him beyond the ceremonies to take part in an honor flight and pay his respects to those who even became before him. A lot of folks asked me what was the best part of the day. There's no best part. The whole best part is the whole thing start to finish. So you see crews getting ready there. They arrived shortly, I would say about 30 minutes or so ago, and they have been working hard to prepare again for this ceremony that begins at 11 a.m. here at the lakefront. Again, we're just north of the War Memorial Center at Veterans Park, where this Vietnam Veteran Memorial. is standing and is just in time for Veterans Day will be unveiled with a ribbon cutting. There are so many ways to pay respects to veterans too, but the gentleman you just heard from says that really taking part in that honor flight and just seeing that Their sacrifice and their service mattered so much is goes a long way. So whether it's thanking a veteran, if you see one today, thanking them for their service or, you know, doing a small gesture for them, it goes a long way. And he says it makes a very big difference. Back to you guys in studio. All right, Steph. Thanks. Just the start of a day of a lot of appreciation events and honoring Stephanie. Thank you. And Fox.