Milwaukee's War Memorial Center honors veterans virtually

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- Veterans across the Milwaukee area are being honored on Veterans Day, but ceremonies are noticeably different this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

On a typical year, the grounds at the War Memorial Center would be busy with people honoring veterans, but because of coronavirus restrictions, they could not do that this year.

However, this year they worked with the Milwaukee police and the American Legion Post to record a video with interviews and a keynote speaker to honor the day instead. It was posted on their Facebook page.

War Memorial Center CEO Dan Buttery says while they thought a large gathering wasn't a good idea for safety reasons this year, smaller groups are still meeting to come together to honor the day.

He says it is important to reach out to veterans at this time, especially during the pandemic.

"It's been very difficult especially on our older veterans, because we know this virus negatively impacts those who are 60 and over, so they are isolated, so not only are they having time to think and be isolated, it is a stressful time," Buttery said. "What we've been trying to do with our colleagues around the area is reaching out and talking to those older veterans, bringing them, if they are comfortable, a breakfast or a lunch."

At the virtual ceremony, military officials wanted to remind everyone about why we honor veterans today.

"Our veterans found and serviced valiantly to preserve freedom and the American way of life in both world wars, as well as conflicts before and since," Wisconsin National Guard Paul Knapp said. "Millions of Americans have answered the call."

If you would like to watch the virtual ceremony, you can do so on the War Memorial Center's Facebook page by clicking here.