Wauwatosa high school honors veterans with annual breakfast and ceremony
WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, a hometown high school in Wauwatosa recognized their service with a breakfast and ceremony.
Veterans from all branches were honored, including a World War II veteran. Students also got the opportunity to hear from a lieutenant colonel who graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran High School.
“Understand that there are people who go out and defend our values, defend our freedoms every single day,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
There are some who always knew they would serve our nation. At just 18 years old, Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Tiegs enrolled in the army, encouraged by those around him who served.
“I’m blessed to have been through wars that shaped me and helped me understand who I was,” said Tiegs. “To hear their stories and represent them is important to me.”
Now, 38 years later, he inspires others to do the same in the place he grew up.
“So much of who I am was really developed here when I was a young man so it’s always an honor to come back and share who I am now and how important this place was,” said Tiegs.
This Veterans Day, students and elected officials recognized the service that defined the landscape of our nation, and its people.
“It shaped me tremendously. You know, my younger brother served in the Marines, my grandfather served in World War II, and an uncle who died during the Vietnam war,” said Crowley.
Tiegs says every sacrifice each veteran gave is a reminder of their bravery. Bravery – that deserves recognition, beyond today.
“To help you recognize your own duty and to give you courage when sometimes, it falters,” said Tiegs.