Veterans Day: A Day of Honor, Respect and Gratitude

CSB Branches closed for Veterans Day

UNION GROVE – Community State Bank President & CEO Scott Huedepohl understands the importance of learning from mistakes.

Before he arrived at CSB, Huedepohl was president of a Watertown community bank that stayed open on Veterans Day.

After attending the city’s annual Veterans Day ceremony – held right across the street along the Rock River – two local veterans approached Huedepohl with a burning question.

“They wanted to know why the bank was open on Veterans Day,” Huedepohl said. “I felt embarrassed and told them I didn’t have a good answer.”

It was a moment that stuck with him.

“Since that day, we have always been closed to honor those brave people,” Huedepohl said. “We encourage our staff to attend local events to do the same.”

In honor of Veterans Day, CSB will close all its branches on Monday, Nov. 11. CSB banks reopen at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Numerous area municipalities, schools and organizations will hold ceremonies to honor those who have served our country.

Last year, World War II veteran Frank Fabianski was introduced at the annual Wilmot High School Veterans Day Observance. He died five months later at the age of 102.

Fabianski served in the U.S. Army’s 104th Infantry Division – clearing German troops from parts of Belgium and The Netherlands – nearly 80 years ago.

“I’ve been very fortunate in my life,” said Fabianski, following the program.

For those interested in attending a local ceremony, here is a list of several Veterans Day events planned in the coming days.

Local Upcoming Veterans Day Events


FRIDAY, NOV. 8


Christian Life School Veterans Day Program
When: Friday, Nov. 8, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Where: Journey Church Auditorium, 10700 75th St, Kenosha

Note: Light reception to follow. For more details about the program, please contact Mary-Kay at 262-694-3900.


Union Grove Veterans Day Assembly
When: Friday, Nov. 8, 8 a.m. (Breakfast), 8:55 a.m (Program)
Where: Union Grove High School, 3433 S. Colony Drive, Union Grove
Note: Veterans are encouraged to RSVP and attach a photo at https://www.ug.k12.wi.us/forms/veterans24 for a special tribute during the ceremony. The event will be live streamed by Broncos Media.
 


SATURDAY, NOV. 9


Racine Veterans Day Expo
When: Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m.
Where: Festival Hall, 5 Fifth Street, Racine
Note: A variety of veteran-focused resources and activities are planned for the event.


SUNDAY, NOV. 10


Village of Pleasant Prairie Veterans Day Ceremony

When: Sunday, Nov. 10, 1:30 p.m.

Where: Pleasant Prairie Veterans Memorial on the southeast side of Prairie Springs Park, 9900 Terwall Terrace, Pleasant Prairie. Note: Light refreshments will be served


MONDAY, NOV. 11


Burlington Veterans Day Ceremony
When: Monday, Nov. 11, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Veterans Terrace, 589 Milwaukee Ave, Burlington
Note: All veterans are invited.


Elkhorn Veterans Day Program
When: Monday, November 11, breakfast at 8:15 a.m. followed by program at 9:25 a.m.
Where: Elkhorn Area High School, 482 E. Geneva Street, Elkhorn
Note: Veterans and their families are invited to attend. RSVP to Nicole Cetnarowski at cetnni@elkhorn.k12.wi.us or 262-741-9010.


Kenosha Veterans Day Program

When: Monday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.

Where: Civil War Museum, Freedom Hall, 5400 First Ave, Kenosha

Note: Navy Club Ship 40 will present a program representing all branches of service to commemorate Veterans Day. Plus, the museum will offer free admission for veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11.


Racine Veterans Day Ceremony
When: Monday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m.
Where: Memorial Hall, 72 Seventh Street, Racine
Note: The event features a performance by the Gilmore Fine Arts Choir and a keynote address by veteran Steven Chalmers.


Wilmot Union High School Veterans Day Observance

When: Monday, Nov. 11th, breakfast at 7:45am followed by an assembly at 9 a.m.

Where: Wilmot Union High School Commons & Veterans Memorial Field House, 11112 308th Ave., Wilmot

Note: All community veterans and family members are invited. Please RSVP to Lisa Obertin at 262-862-2351, ext. 321, or obertinl@wilmoths.k12.wi.us. Please indicate your name and the number of guests attending the breakfast.