KENOSHA, Wis. — Dozens of military veterans gathered Friday morning at Festival Foods in Kenosha for a special Veterans Day breakfast at the American Heroes Café, sharing stories, enjoying camaraderie and reflecting on the sacrifices they made while serving their country. The gathering, held just days before Veterans Day on November 11, featured a complimentary breakfast, patriotic tributes and heartfelt messages of gratitude for the men and women who have worn the uniform.
The special breakfast was part of the weekly American Heroes Café gathering, which provides local veterans an opportunity to connect with others who understand the unique experiences of military service. Friday’s event included a buffet breakfast sponsored by Bob and Chris Margetson, along with remarks honoring the veterans and their sacrifices.
Chaplain Charlie Hansen, an Air Force veteran and pastor of Holy Spirit Community Church, delivered a message that took the veterans back to one of the most significant moments of their lives — the day they raised their right hands and took the Oath of Enlistment.
“We all remember that day,” Hansen told the room. “We all remember being in that big room, raising our right hand. We put our hand down, and we thought, ‘What the hell did I just do?’ But we did it, and we had no idea what was truly waiting for us.”
Hansen reminded the veterans that their willingness to serve set them apart from the overwhelming majority of Americans. He encouraged them to take pride in their military service not just on Veterans Day, but every day of the year.
“Because you have done something that 90 percent of this population hasn’t done,” Hansen said. “And I know there’s no such thing as an ex-Marine — they tell you that all the time — but I believe there’s no such thing as an ex-soldier. All of you in this room deserve that honor.”
Among those in attendance was 92-year-old Korean War veteran Chester Haws, who enlisted in the United States Army in 1951 when he was just 17 years old. Shortly after joining the military, Haws found himself headed overseas to fight in a war that would claim the lives of tens of thousands of American service members.
“It’s hell while you’re there, but when you get back, you’re happy about what you did,” Haws said. Now a regular at the American Heroes Café, Haws continues to reflect on his military experiences and the friends he lost during the war.
For Haws, Veterans Day is much more than a holiday on the calendar. It is an opportunity to remember the men who never returned home and to appreciate the people who continue to honor those who served.
“It means a hell of a lot to me. I had some good buddies who died,” Haws said. “I think it’s wonderful what they do up here (at the Heroes Café).”
American Heroes Café organizer Erin Riley also addressed the gathering, thanking the veterans for their courage and reminding them that their sacrifices have not been forgotten. Riley reflected on how young many of the veterans were when they first entered military service, often leaving their families and everything familiar behind.
“To me, your whole story is a story of bravery,” Riley said. “I think about all of you at such a young age going into the military. It just gets my heart. You sure stood strong and served with such honor when you were so very young; it’s amazing. I have to imagine that you were very scared, but oh so brave.”
The event also featured remarks from a County Spokesperson, who thanked the veterans for their service, sacrifices and continued dedication to one another. The spokesperson emphasized the brotherhood shared by those who served and the responsibility of the community to recognize their contributions.
“It does put me in awe some days when I’m up here, and seeing all of you here makes me want to do more for you because of your sacrifice and your service, your dedication, and your commitment to our country, to our freedoms, to the bravery that today we need to duplicate,” a County Spokesperson said. “I just want to say, thank you so much for your commitment.”
While the morning included speeches and patriotic recognition, much of the gathering was devoted to something simpler — veterans spending time together. Throughout the room, men and women wearing military hats, patriotic clothing and service medals shared conversations over breakfast, coffee and refreshments.
For many of the veterans, the weekly gatherings offer an opportunity to maintain friendships, reminisce about their years in uniform and enjoy the company of others who understand the challenges and sacrifices associated with military service. The special Veterans Day breakfast brought an added sense of appreciation to a gathering already centered on honoring those who served.
Friday’s celebration also served as an early kickoff to the Veterans Day observances planned throughout Kenosha County in the days leading up to November 11. The annual holiday honors all Americans who served in the United States Armed Forces, including those who fought in wars overseas and those who served during peacetime.
For the veterans gathered at Festival Foods, however, the morning was about more than a meal or a holiday celebration. It was a reminder that decades after their military service, their sacrifices are still appreciated, their stories still matter and the bonds formed through service continue to bring them together.
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