The streets of downtown Milwaukee were filled with patriotic spirit as the Wisconsin Veterans Day Parade made its return yesterday. The procession of men and women in uniform, along with hundreds of attendees waving flags. The event was organized by a group of veterans dedicated to honoring those who served.

Looking back on the parade's origins, Dan Richards, a Marine Corps veteran-turned-parade director, mentioned to WISN 12 News the historical lapse in Wisconsin's commemorative efforts. "Before we started this four years ago, there were several years where there wasn't one at all in the state of Wisconsin," he said, emphasizing a past absence now marked by the sounds and sights of remembrance and celebration.

Richards added that the parade's festive atmosphere serves as both a tribute to the sacrifices made and a reminder for civilians to offer simple gestures of gratitude that are meaningful to the veterans' community. "If everyone could just thank a vet, regular normal citizens who did not serve, do not know what that means to that veteran. Just a simple thank you, simple handshake — it just means the world," Richards told Spectrum News 1.

Veterans from different branches expressed appreciation for the event, recognizing it as a way for the community to acknowledge and honor their service. The inclusion of veterans like Saprina Johnson also served to highlight the diversity of military service. "I’m showing my young ladies here that women serve the country too," Johnson, a former Navy servicemember, declared to Spectrum News 1.

The role of the Wisconsin Veterans Community Foundation, whose presence and advocacy have been central to promoting the "Honor" theme, reflects the military values and traditions upheld by these service members. More information about their activities and mission is available on their website, a detail revealed by FOX6 News.