'Listen To Their Stories,' Veteran Says During Waukesha Ceremony

WAUKESHA, WI—The rain didn't stop a group of proud veterans, officials, and patriotic supporters from honoring them on Thursday morning at Veterans Park located at 710 N West Ave.

The ceremony was organized by the Waukesha Allied Veterans Council.

"We do this every year in weather just like this," Joseph Deloria, a veteran, said.

Deloria hopes others will continue to show up to honor a loved one or friend who served.

"A lot of people don't understand that veterans gave them the opportunity to enjoy all the fruits of freedom and joys that they have," Deloria said.

Don Hilbig, a Korean War veteran, noted the dwindling crowd sizes over the years. He said when he was in high school events honoring veterans were spectacular. During Armistice Day, his whole high school would stand up and face the east and give a salute.

Hilbig, who was in the air force from 1952 to 1956, remembered being in England for three years. He served on two bases that the Might Eighth Air Force flew out of.

"It was an honor," Hilbig said.

While many people are sharing thanks to veterans, Hilbig wanted to show gratitude to the Veterans Administration.

"They are extremely helpful and helped millions of vets. I have nothing but gratitude and salute them, he said.

Many veterans spoke during the ceremony complete with "Taps" and a gun salute.

Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly's message was to be present and show gratitude. He discussed the "Moving Wall" which is a half-sized replica of the Washington DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The replica of the wall came to Waukesha in May.

"The community came together and made something wonderful and good happen on Memorial Day."

Reilly said the event honored every soldier who has or will put on a uniform.

Even in the foul weather on opening day, people witnessed the importance and sacrifice of those whose names were on the moving wall, he said.

"We are also present today to express to every veteran and those in service that we recognize your commitment and sacrifice for our country," Reilly said.

Vietnam veteran Eric Holmes spoke about the importance of the veteran title.

"After we are discharged, we become civilians without a title. After all the years we served with the skills we were trained to perform, we leave with no titles," Holmes said.

Eddie Meier, a veteran, served in the army from 1966 to 1968, spoke of the need to honor veterans more for their sacrifices.

"Some of the veterans returned home with physical and mental health issues. They need to be honored more than one day a year," he said.

Meier encouraged to the younger generation to ask veterans about their time in service. He added it puts a face to the veteran.

"Listen to their stories," he said.