WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WFHR / WIRI) – Veterans Day honors veterans for their dedication, service, and sacrifice for our country.

It started out as Armistice Day in 1919, marking the end of World War I. It didn’t become a federal holiday until about 20 years later. Then, in the 1950s, it was renamed Veterans Day to honor all who served. As previously reported by Civic Media, 49 states have made Veterans Day a state holiday. Wisconsin is the only holdout; however, lawmakers are working to change that.

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Spaghetti Dinner

At the Wisconsin Rapids VFW Post Monday night, the sounds of banter and kitchen clatter signaled that preparations were underway for their annual spaghetti dinner. Post Commander Shawn Plante said they hold this fundraiser the day before so veterans can visit area businesses on Veterans Day.

“There are restaurants in the community that are giving out free dinners for veterans,” says Plante. “That way we’re allowing the guys to go and have dinner on the community.”

This year, veterans could eat free at the spaghetti dinner due to a generous benefactor. The meal included all you could eat spaghetti with meat sauce or marinara, salad, dinner rolls and assorted desserts.

Fundraiser for the community

Plante said this yearly fundraiser supports the VFW’s mission in the community.

“And then the funds from this will go around to help support our mission to support veterans in the greater Wisconsin Rapids community.”

176 people came out for the Veterans Day Spaghetti Dinner and story swapping at the Buckley-Baldwin VFW Post.

VFW Buckley-Baldwin Post #2534. Photo credit: Melissa Kaye | Civic Media

Veterans Day events

Veterans were busy throughout the area with several ceremonies and dedications on Tuesday.

“ We start with our Veterans Day Remembrance ceremony at Veterans Park at 11 o’clock. And then from there we can move on to the Legacy stone dedication for the Wood County Veterans Memorial. That’ll be at Assumption High School at one o’clock,” shared Plante. “From there we go to Mid-State Technical College for the rededication of their Vietnam veteran Memorial, and that’ll be at three o’clock.”

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