'Fight for our freedom': Honoring hometown veterans

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- We are officially one day away from honoring the men and women who chose to serve in the United States Armed Forces. 

Of course, that day is Veterans Day.

"They carry the burden of war, they carry the burden of conflict, they carry the burden of lost," said Dan Buttery, President & CEO of the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center.

Buttery is also 12-year-combat war veteran, he did a tour in Iraq from 1995-2007.

Buttery said Veterans Day serves as a day of remembrance.

The national holiday looks to honor the millions of men and women who have bravely served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

"No matter where you served, how you served we are all brothers, we've all put time in, and hopefully for those that don’t have to," said U.S. Army National Guard Tom Senft.

Senft, served from 1969 to 1975, he said times have changed since he's had to report for duty.

"When you look at the military now and its dwindled it has to get built up and young people are the ones, that unfortunately have to do it, they have to step forward," said Senft.

The veterans keeping a close eye on tensions across seas, hoping, if the time comes, the next generation is ready to answer the call.

"I never want to see war again as a combat veteran, I don’t want to see it, but the reality is there is probably one in the future. The question is how far out and who's willing to go forward and defend and fight for our freedom," said Buttery.

Saturday, Nov. 11, there is a 5k race at the War Memorial Center to honor veterans.