HCG-Wisconsin Dells salutes our heroes on Veterans Day

By Tim Wohlers



Veterans Day serves as a time of recognition for our soldiers.  So to acknowledge these extraordinary men and women, HCG-Wisconsin Dells held its annual flag raising ceremony at the casino on November 11. 
“It’s something that we do on an annual basis,” said Senior Manager of Public Relations David Abangan.  “We recognize all veterans, just to show how important they are to us as a tribe and as an organization.” 
At the event, three flags were raised in honor of the veterans.  These included the American flag, the Ho-Chunk flag, and the POW/MIA flag. 
“It’s the least we can do as a business,” Abangan said, “to show our appreciation to veterans.” 
The ceremony has now taken place, every year, for over a decade.  And according to the public-relations manager, it gives veterans something that many organizations do not. 
“Not many other places in the area conduct ceremonies or do any sort of recognition,” said Abangan.  “And I think the veterans, and the veterans’ families, appreciate something like this.” 
To show its own appreciation, the casino provided veterans with a complimentary lunch buffet – as well as 15 dollars in Rewards Play on the gaming floor. 
“Veterans receive $15 Rewards Play,” Abangan stated.  “And we provide complimentary lunch buffets.” 
However, the PR manager asserts that the event’s sole purpose is to recognize military veterans.  The casino does not use the ceremony as a marketing tactic. 
“The goal is just to recognize veterans,” Abangan said.  “We don’t have any hidden agenda to try and generate revenue, or anything like that.  It’s purely a from-the-heart effort by the property to recognize all veterans.” 
Like every year, the event was open to the general public.  Therefore, anyone could attend the ceremony. 
“It’s open to the public,” said Abangan.  “Anybody that is in the area, and wants to stop by, is welcome to attend.” 
Because of that open-door policy, approximately 75 people attended the event.  Over half of them also served in our country’s military. 
“They’re highly-regarded and respected people in our tribe,” Abangan said, “and the country.  So it’s the least we can do for them.” 
As the senior manager of public relations pointed out, not a lot of other companies hold a similar-style ceremony.  In that regard, Ho-Chunk Gaming proves truly unique. 
“It’s pretty cool,” Abangan said, “when you think about the big picture.” 
And for as long as we still have a military, the casino will continue to host the event.   Thus, veterans can always look forward to the November 11th ceremony.    
“Veterans should be recognized every day of the year,” said Abangan.  “We’re just taking it a step further.” 


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