Today is Veterans Day. On November 11th each year, we honor the men and women who served in the armed forces to help keep our country free.
First known as Armistice Day, this date was selected to honor the fact that WWI ended with an armistice agreement at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
There are many Veteran’s Day programs scheduled for today, but one took place yesterday.
Students and Staff at Manitowoc Lutheran High School held a Veteran Appreciation Breakfast and Worship Service, and one of those in attendance was Senior Brianna Bessler.
Both of her two grandfathers plus some extended family all served in the Military.
She told Seehafer News, “We are here to celebrate the veterans of our community to be able to serve them and give thanks to them giving glory to God as we do this also.”
Nathan Meitner teaches Social Studies at Lutheran High School and felt it was imperative students meet some of those who fought for our freedom.
“Going through world and U.S. History courses being able to teach the students about these events, World War Two, The Korean War, The Vietnam War and most recently the events in the Middle East,” he explained. “It’s so important for these students to hear what these veterans went through.”
Meitner encouraged his students to have one on one discussions with the veterans.
“One of the big things I tried to emphasize with my students today was just to talk to them. Listen to them. Ask them what branch of the military they served in. Hear and listen to their story. A lot of the veterans I spoke to beforehand were eager to share their story. They want the next generation to know what they went through and why it’s important to support our military vets.”
Senior Helene Matthias felt compelled to come to say what was on her heart, telling Seehafer News, “Just to say thank you because that’s one of the greatest things you can do is just thank someone for everything. I don’t think a lot of people know how much this takes on to people’s lives and looking back and how much it can really do to someone. Just saying thank you is one of the biggest things we can do for them.”
Meitner adds that he’s hopeful to hold this event annually for many years to come.
As far as what is happening today, a Veteran’s Day program is scheduled to take place at the Veteran Memorial and Eternal Flame in Manitowoc this morning at 10:30 AM.
Two Rivers High School is also hosting one at 8:00 this morning, and Schultz Elementary School in Mishicot is welcoming veterans this afternoon at 1:30 PM.
Also, the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center is welcoming Veterans to their learning center free of admission today through Saturday.
For a full list of events, attractions, and veteran discounts, visit the Veteran Service Section of ManitowocCountyWI.gov.
