The story of Veterans Day begins far from Wisconsin, in the aftermath of World War I. The armistice that ended the fighting took effect on November 11, 1918, marking a day of relief and celebration across the globe. Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday was established to honor the veterans of the “Great War.” Over time, as America’s military history grew with World War II and the Korean War, so too did the need to recognize all veterans. In 1954, Armistice Day became Veterans Day—a shift that broadened the commemoration to include every man and woman who had served in the United States Armed Forces.
Heroes among us. Being a veteran in Owen-Withee is regarded as both a privilege and a solemn duty. Veterans are honored not only for the risks they took in distant lands but also for the example they set at home. They serve as leaders, mentors, and neighbors, embodying values of loyalty, integrity, and sacrifice. On Veterans Day, their service is celebrated, and their message is clear: the responsibility to uphold freedom rests not only on the battlefield but in the everyday actions of citizenship.
As a child I remember first learning of Veterans Day in school when we stood in unison and faced the east in remembrance of veterans everywhere, for one minute at 11 a.m. on November 11. “The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.” Another early memory with respect to honoring of veterans is the wearing of red poppies, a universal symbol of remembrance. Poppies are also often seen on Memorial Day (May).
The Owen-Withee Area Historical Society plays a central role in the remembrance and honor of area veterans. Curating displays of uniforms, service medals, and photographs from past conflicts. Their efforts ensure that the sacrifices and stories of local veterans are never forgotten, and that the younger generation understands the cost of freedom.
A backbone of Owen-Withee’s veterans are its veteran organizations — American Legion Post #123 (Owen), American Legion Post #547 (Lublin), and VFW Post #9057 (Thorp), as well as the O-W Vet’s Club. The VFW, or Veterans of Foreign Wars, provides mutual support to those who have served abroad, while the American Legion champions the needs of all veterans and their families.
The museum of the Owen-Withee Area Historical Society located at 219 N. Pine Street, in Owen, Wisconsin has a dedicated area devoted to displays of area veteran memorabilia. Flags, ribbons, medals, uniforms, hats, books and more honor those who have served. The displays include valuable historical treasures such as the complete uniforms of Arthur Awe (World War I, Army), Dave Blazer (Army), Art Petersen (Army), Jim Laski (Air Force), Dennis Wilson (Army), Jack Warns (Army), and Bill Benzschawel (Air Force). Also found at the O-W History Center are military items such as Earl Hodnett’s burial flag (WWI combat veteran), framed memorial case of Harold Hodnett’s service ribbons, medals and patches, and an authentic white replica Nuremberg Trial guard helmet (1946 Germany).
As a special remembrance on Veterans Day, not all veterans returned from their service time alive. Sixteen Owen-Withee area natives died in combat while serving their county. Local heroes who died in foreign lands. Names that include Albert Van Huizen (died 1918 France), Neils Mattson (1918 France), Raymond Biddle (1945 Germany), Neal Braun (1945 South Pacific), Elroy Fahrenbach (1944 Austria), and Peter Sillars (1944 Saipan, South Pacific).
As autumn settles over Owen-Withee and the nation pauses to remember its veterans, the town’s traditions echo the larger story of America. Through the efforts of the Owen-Withee Area Historical Society, the history of sacrifice and the meaning of service remain alive.