The Manitowoc County United Veterans Council will once again be honoring our nation’s heroes this morning with a Veterans Day Ceremony.
The event will be held at the Manitowoc County Veterans Memorial at the corner of North 18th Street and Michigan Avenue, starting at around 10:30 a.m.
Manitowoc County Veteran Service Officer Todd Brehmer explained that the goal is to be done by 11:00 for a very specific reason.
“The significance goes all the way back to the end of World War One and November 11th, 1918,” he explained during an appearance on WOMT’s Be My Guest. “Armistice Day, 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. So that’s what eventually then becomes Veterans Day.”
The name change became official in 1954, helping create the trio of military service holidays.
Brehmer explained, “There’s Memorial Day, which, of course, is to remember those who didn’t come home; Veterans Day is to recognize and appreciate those who wore the uniform, and Armed Forces Day is to recognize all those who are currently wearing the uniform.”
Brehmer, who has been all over the world through his military service and otherwise, explained that one thing that connects all veterans is their understanding of appreciating what America has compared to other countries.
“My upbringing was very modest,” he noted. “My first time in Panama, you see how the average person lives over there compared to that. At that time, this would have been 1989. I grew up like a king compared to that. And that really changes your perspective, especially on a young man, an 18-year-old, 19-year-old.”
With the U.S. celebrating its 250th birthday this year, Brehmer said loud and proud, “We live in the greatest country in the world. That partly is because of all those individuals that put that uniform on at some point in their life, going back to our nation’s founding day or even today, just helping other people in other countries around the world protect what they have. It’s a great thing. And this day is the day to say, hey, we appreciate what you did. Thank you.”
One way many businesses and organizations show their appreciation is through discounts or free items.
You can click here to see a list of local Veterans Day Deals.
