At the Civic Center, more than 100 Baraboo residents and veterans celebrated the day with school children from St. Joseph’s school, St. John’s School, and South Elementary, as well as the Baraboo High School band.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 987 chaplain Eddy Brecka’s prayers included one for those "ravaged by injury" and currently in hospitals, particularly the soldiers still recovering from injuries suffered at Fort Hood’s shooting last week.

Sergeant Major Bryan Ward, a marine and veteran of operations in Syria, Pakistan, and the most recent Iraq war, addressed the crowd, saying remembering veterans was especially important during times of trouble.

"The freedoms that all Americans enjoy are brought with the blood, sweat and sacrifice of veterans," he said. "Each one reminds us that liberty has a cost and that freedom is not free.

"For those veterans who upon return did not receive a thank you, I would like to say to you, thank you for your sacrifices."

The Sanford White Eagle American Legion Post 556 held a ceremony at the Ho-Chunk Casino honoring vets including victims of the Fort Hood shootings and late World War II soldier Thomas Kitchkume, 83, of Wisconsin Rapids. The main speaker was Thomas Mann, veterans service officer for the Ho-Chunk Nation.

An honor guard of Post 556 members fired a three-volley salute and Tommy Lee of Wisconsin Dells played "Taps" on a wooden flute. The Wisconsin Dells Singers sang and drummed flag and rain songs.

The schools also got involved, with "taps" played at several venues, with classroom activities, art projects, and writing assignments to discuss the history of the day and students’ ties to veterans.

At a ceremony held before school at East Elementary, students sang patriotic songs and heard about the history of Veterans Day.

"As we enter the month of Thanksgiving, we keep veterans at the top of our list of people to thank," Principal Glenn Bildsten told the students.

Members of North Freedom’s VFW post 172 visited North Freedom Elementary and performed a mock veteran’s funeral, complete with a 21-gun salute.

Gordon L. Willson has also had a display in the front hallway commemorating the different branches of military service.

Veterans residing at St. Clare Meadows received personalized pillowcases that had been made for them by members of a sewing class at Jack Young Middle School.