Advocates Renew Efforts to Transform Wisconsin’s Unique Veterans Day Status

The USS Beloit combat ship has arrived at Milwaukee’s harbor, docking at Veterans Park. This ship will be officially commissioned for active service on Saturday. This event coincides with ongoing discussions about recognizing Veterans Day as a paid holiday in Wisconsin, a topic that has stirred significant debate over the years.

Efforts to Change Veterans Day Status in Wisconsin

Currently, Wisconsin is among the few states that do not treat Veterans Day as an official paid holiday for state employees. While many states and the federal government observe November 11 as a day off, Wisconsin’s practices remain different, highlighting a gap in recognition for veterans.

Legislation and Proposals

Recent legislative proposals aim to change Wisconsin’s designation of Veterans Day. The proposed bill would designate November 11 as a paid holiday by removing a floating holiday currently in place. This change would apply to state government employees but would not mandate private employers to follow suit.

The state currently recognizes nine paid holidays, including New Year’s Day and Labor Day, with an additional floating holiday in recognition of Veterans Day. The aim is to streamline these provisions and honor veterans more effectively.

Advocacy from Veterans

• Bill Ridgely, a Vietnam War veteran, has been a vocal advocate for this change for over a decade.
• State Rep. Maureen McCarville, a National Guard veteran, is leading the current efforts in legislation.

Both Ridgely and McCarville highlight the disappointment felt by veterans over Wisconsin’s current status. Ridgely points out the embarrassment of being the only state that does not officially recognize Veterans Day as a holiday, emphasizing the significance of honoring those who serve.

Historical Context and Support

Efforts to advance the recognition of Veterans Day are not new. There have been attempts dating back to 1963 to establish it as a paid holiday, yet progress has been minimal. Previous bills have received bipartisan support but have failed to pass.

McCarville commented on the subdued nature of military culture, stating that veterans often do not vocally demand recognition, making advocacy efforts critical. With growing support from both Democrats and Republicans, there is hope that this legislation may finally gain traction.

Impact on Schools and Events

One major discussion point surrounding the legislation is the potential impact on schools. Although the bill does not require public schools to close on Veterans Day, many districts follow state-recognized holidays in setting their schedules.

Veterans like Tim Wendt express concern that closing schools might limit opportunities for students to learn about military service during Veterans Day events. However, having the day off could encourage participation in community events and acknowledgment of those who served.

Future Prospects

As the debate continues, veterans and lawmakers remain hopeful that their efforts will lead to a formal recognition of Veterans Day as a paid holiday in Wisconsin. The move would be a simple yet significant step in honoring the sacrifices made by service members.

With the upcoming legislative session, advocates are aiming for a public hearing by Veterans Day to discuss the bill further, pushing for much-needed acknowledgment of the sacrifices of veterans across the state.