Kiel honors veterans with ceremony

KIEL - A community in Manitowoc County is honoring Veterans Day early.

Dozens of people attended a ceremony in Kiel Thursday to remember our nation's service men and women.

"All veterans have given something of themselves to their country, and some have given all, laying down their life to defend the freedoms we hold so dear," said Kiel Mayor Robert Werdeo.

The event at Veterans Park was also held to keep the memory of Staff Sergeant Amy Krueger alive.

The Kiel native was killed during a shooting at Fort Hood in Texas in 2009.

"I didn't know her personally, but I know of her, and what she gave and her family. It was real nice to see them here. Just appreciate what she did for our country," said Randy Kubetz of Kiel.

During the Veterans Day ceremony, a fresh bloom laid on the battle cross memorial dedicated to Krueger last year.

It was a bright spot on a bleak day, but this was still a day filled with pride for Krueger's family and friends.

"It was beautiful. We're proud to be here, we're proud of our community, and we just keep Amy's name alive, so we're proud of that," said Krueger's mother, Jeri.

Jeri Krueger says she is appreciative of the continued outpouring of support, but she admits the loss of her daughter is still tough.

"It does not get easier. It actually gets harder sometimes," Krueger said.

In a show of support for Krueger and all of our nation's veterans, service members from around the state came to take part in the ceremony.

That included two Army reservists from Madison who served with Krueger.

"It's crazy to think it was two years ago already. And it's crazy to think that every single day in the two year span she is still talked about, and there's funny stories written on her Facebook, and remembering her every day," said Staff Sgt. Sarah Elmer.

A flyover of two F-16s was scheduled to take place over Veterans Park following the ceremony, but it was cancelled due to weather conditions.