SHAWANO, WI- Many braved the cold and the wind on Monday to pay respect to many local Veteran’s during the annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony that took place outside of the Shawano-Menominee County Courthouse.

The ceremony began with an opening prayer from Father Edward Looney of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano.

Business Owner, Shawano County Supervisor and former Marine Jeremy Gretzinger, was the keynote speaker.

Gretzinger focused on the idea of recognition, and told a story of his grandfather.

“There have been times that I have been told that I am just like my grandfather. I am very proud of what I did, and if I was asked again, I would do it again.”

Gretzinger said he wanted to be in law enforcement, and after school went to basic training. He said he later changed his mind to carry on the family tradition of selling Christmas trees, but took it to the next level and started his own landscaping business.

Gretzinger said he got the call to report in 2003, years after the September 11th attack in New York City. He said at that time, he was getting ready to get married and running his business.

“Before I knew it, the Marines called me and told me to report to the unit that weekend.”

“There is no better why to honor the country then to preserve the freedoms that we have today, Gretzinger said. “When someone thanks me for my service, I often think, I could have done more.”

He said his message is no matter where or when, everyone did what they were supposed to do and they did it with honor.

The ceremony ended with reading of the names from the past year, placing of the wreath, the 21 gun salute and the playing of Taps.

Last week, a Veteran’s Day ceremony was held at Shawano Middle School.