The Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce hosted veterans and community groups from around the state to celebrate Veterans Day in downtown Milwaukee on November 6, reviving the annual parade and adding a new festival event.
Wisconsin’s largest Veterans Day celebration took place on the streets of historic downtown Milwaukee. The return of the Veterans Day Parade in 2021, after being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, delighted spectators with its mix of patriotic displays and military equipment.
The parade grandstand area was staged in front of the Marcus Performing Arts Center, a dedicated War Memorial Center, and across from Red Arrow Park – named in honor of the 32nd Infantry Division of the United States. It became known after World War I as the 32nd Red Arrow Division.
“For veterans, their families, and supporters around Wisconsin, the annual Veterans Day parade is an iconic tradition and we were proud to lead the effort to revive this celebration,” said Saul Newton, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce. “The Veterans Day parade honors and celebrates the service of military service members, veterans and their families. That recognition and celebration is especially important today. We are thrilled to bring our state’s entire veteran community together, representing every corner of Wisconsin, to celebrate the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families.”
The inaugural Veterans Day Festival followed the parade. It featured entertainment, a veteran-owned business marketplace, exhibitors and vendors, as well as resources available to support Wisconsin veterans and their families.
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Lee Matz
