Celebrating our veterans

GREEN BAY - Our aging veterans may be disappearing, but Vietnam veteran Bill Krutz says community appreciation for their service is growing. He once felt slighted, but no more.

"Going into the grocery store with just my Vietnam cap on people come up to say thanks," said Bill Krutz, a Vietnam veteran. "Does it make you feel good," we asked. "Very good, really proud of that and I think I'm happier for them then for me because they appreciate some of the things that we did," said Krutz.

That appreciation could be seen at the Brown County Veterans Memorial. Individuals took time on this Veterans Day to check out the names engraved in the bricks-- family members, friends, and even strangers. Veterans say today's military conflicts have opened many eyes about those who serve.

"It changed big time. The war in Iraq is different than we fought, we were more or less combat man to man.... Its different these kids now, they don't even know who they're fighting. It's very tough for those kids," said Ray Karchinski, a World War II veteran.

Residents gathered to remember those who served, and those who died.

Fallen comrades were the focus of a dawn to dusk vigil at the Green Bay Veterans Memorial along the Fox River. Larry Eggert says it's a yearly symbolic gesture.

"We're doing it for all vets but mostly for those who didn't make it," said Larry Eggert, a Vietnam veteran.

Not just at Veterans Memorials or event are people expressing their appreciation for our veterans. Signs like this one along Riverside Drive in Allouez are showing up more often. These symbols of support thank and recognize our veterans. They've become a sign of the changing times.

"Now we at least appreciate a little bit more. Welcoming back veterans...with the dignity and the respect they deserve," said Tom Hinz, a Vietnam veteran and Brown County Executive.