Rediscovering a Wisconsin Man’s Story: ‘He Gave Us Veterans Day’

A Wisconsin man is part of history, yet few people know his story.

Harvey Higley devoted his life to those who served our country. But the Marinette County native also changed how the nation honors and remembers our military members. 

He gave us Veterans Day.

So why don’t we remember him? 

Turns out, Higley’s entire life was one of quiet determination.

Tod Pritchard with the Wisconsin Alumni Association — luckily for us — is part mystery hunter and part historian.

“Harvey graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1915, and just two years later he was in the battlefields of France,” Pritchard explains. “The bravery and sacrifice he saw in World War I never left him.”

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Listen to Teri’s interview with Tod Pritchard about Harvey Higley here:

Additional research reveals Higley returned home after the war. He built a successful career using his chemical engineering degree at the fire extinguisher manufacturer Ansul Chemical in Marinette. Higley eventually became its president and chairman of the board. 

But his real passion meant he continued to focus on veterans. Higley volunteered with the American Legion, then served as the Wisconsin commander during World War II. And timing was crucial as President Dwight Eisenhower soon appointed Higley the administrator of Veterans Affairs. He would oversee the task of caring for the largest veteran population in history – from both World War II and the Korean War. 

Higley didn’t make a big deal about himself.
He wasn’t looking for credit. But his belief that America has a solemn obligation to its veterans still resonates today.

– Tod Pritchard, Wisconsin Alumni Association

Higley’s cabinet-level position gave him the opportunity to desegregate VA hospitals while ensuring African American veterans would be treated at any facility. And he championed the G.I. Bill, which provided educational benefits to returning veterans. 

It was also during this time that Higley helped reshape November 11th. 

The date had been known for decades as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I. Higley believed it should instead honor veterans from every era. 

“He thought, how can we dedicate a day to all veterans? So, working with a congressman from Kansas, he helped change Armistice Day to Veterans Day,” Pritchard says. “It’s the day we now celebrate every November 11th.”

And President Eisenhower made the change permanent in 1954.

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Read President Eisenhower’s letter to Harvey Higley about ensuring the observance of November 11 as Veterans Day here.

“Higley didn’t make a big deal about himself,” Pritchard shares. “He wasn’t looking for credit. But his belief that America has a solemn obligation to its veterans still resonates today.”

Higley passed away without fanfare in 1986. But his lasting impact can still be felt every time our state – and the nation – pauses to remember those who served.

Pritchard tells me he believes this is a legacy deserving of renewed recognition, especially in Wisconsin and his home community. 

“He was a great alum, a great Wisconsinite, and the rest of the nation has benefited from what he started,” Pritchard says.

And as we honor our heroes this Veterans Day, it’s worth remembering one in particular.

Harvey Higley — who helped ensure – we will never forget the rest.

NOTE: Wisconsin is the only state that hasn’t designated Veterans Day as an official holiday. You can read more about a newly proposed bill to change that here.