APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) - Veterans Day was celebrated at the Outagamie County Courthouse in a brief but impactful ceremony. An honor guard, rifle squad, and musical elements added flair, but it was the heartfelt speech from Wisconsin Army National Guard veteran and Appleton VFW member Aaron Hunnel that left attendees with more to consider and more to do. “For veterans, we have a lot of challenges with mental health, and what I find in my work is that purpose and connection are often what’s missing,” Hunnel said. “Much like life, we have to steer ourselves in the direction we want to go and put in the work to get from where we are to where we want to be.” Appleton honors decorated soldier & police officer with Veterans Day bench dedication Hunnel and other organizers called on the public to remember veterans and ensure they feel included and have a sense of purpose. “This is a day the whole community can connect with them and show appreciation,” said Fox Valley Veterans Council President and retired Army Col. Timothy Cody. “They’ve faced trauma, particularly in recent years. Many of us have faced harsh realities. This day is a chance for society to say, ‘We’re here for you.’” Cody noted that fewer veterans are connected to one another than ever before and emphasized that military service impacts the entire family, which also needs community support. “So few of us are connected right now. During World War II, 8 million people served in our armed forces. Today, the United States Army has just over 350,000. Each of them made that decision, and that decision alone sets them apart,” Cody said. “I moved my kids all over the world. None of them attended the same high school or grade school.” Local businesses honor veterans with free services and special offers across northeast Wisconsin Hunnel believes overcoming mental health challenges involves regaining control of one’s life with the support of others. “You take back control when you do something hard, something challenging, but here’s the kicker: you don’t do it alone. You do it with others,” he said.