Milwaukee Earns Top Honors in 2007 ‘Most Patriotic City’ Contest

Milwaukee has been named the 2007 “Most Patriotic City” by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) in the fourth year of the annual contest recognizing the efforts on behalf of veterans and service members in cities and communities across the United States.

Milwaukee, a city of nearly 600,000 people, hosts celebrations on Veterans Day and other holidays, erects military displays, sponsors fund raisers and provides meals on Veterans Day for 300-plus veterans. Local companies also annually sponsor a dinner and a patriotic ceremony, free of charge, for more than 15,000 veterans and family members.

“This award is a great honor for the City of Milwaukee,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “As a community, we are committed to promoting the quality of life for our disabled veterans through activities and programs that honor their service to our nation. With events such as the 2007 National Veterans Wheelchair Games, and the annual ‘Operation Freedom’ picnic, Milwaukee recognizes and celebrates the courageous spirit and sacrifices made by our former and actively enlisted men and women. We are humbled that our community efforts have earned Milwaukee national recognition.”

Nominations also praised the local Department of Veterans Affairs hospital for its unwavering commitment to providing quality health care and service for this nation’s veterans. “Our VA hospital allows many veterans and civilians to show our care and support to the many patients who use the facilities,” wrote Milwaukee resident Carson Lunde.

“The people of Milwakuee should be very proud of this award,” said Phil Rosenberg, president of Wisconsin Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America. “The city and county work hand in hand to honor its veterans with many activities including parades, job fairs, and a Veterans Day at the zoo, to mention a few. Milwaukee is very supportive of veterans, which was evident when the website for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games (2007) had to be closed when more than 4,000 people signed up to be volunteers.”

A ceremony involving Paralyzed Veterans’ Wisconsin chapter and the Milwaukee mayor’s office will take place in the near future.