Veterans Day

Veterans Day in Brainerd, MN, USA
Honoring Veterans every November 11th

Also check out Veterans Week in Brainerd

World War I ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Veterans Day is November 11th each year in honor of those who have served our country in times of peace and war.

November 11, 2022, 8:45 am: A Veterans Day Program was held at Riverside Elementary School in Brainerd. The Brainerd Honor Guard was there to present the flag. Major Tracy Mankowski was the guest speaker. She told of military commitment and sacrifice to keep our country safe.

November 11, 2022, 10 am: Brainerd High School Veterans Day Program. The Brainerd Honor Guard presented the flag. Lt. Colonel John Hobot of the Minnesota National Guard gave an inspiring speech telling about our troops. Veterans were recognized for their service. Quilts of Honor were given to fourteen veterans that day. Attendees were given flags as they left.

The Brainerd High School band and choir presented a rousing rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

November 11, 2022, 11:11 am: The Brainerd Honor Guard held a short ceremony at the All Veterans Memorial in honor of all Veterans on Veterans Day.

A class from Lake Region Christian School was there to view the ceremony and stayed around to ask questions of veterans. Many thought they might join the military someday. It was an interesting learning experience for everyone.

The Brainerd Honor Guard was also at Harrison School, Garfield School and Woodland Acres senior living facility that day.
Baxter Elementary School Veterans Day program on Lakeland TV.

Veteran's Day, November 11, 2021: The Brainerd Honor Guard put on a 21-rifle salute and Taps at the Brainerd All Veteran's Memorial at 11 am. Youngsters stuck around to ask questions of veterans. It was a rewarding experience for both.

Veteran's Day Thursday, November 11, 2021: There was a Veteran's Day Program at the Brainerd High School. Lieutenant Marine Corps Colonel Paul Cibuzar (retired) was the guest speaker. Quilts of Honor will given out too. Music included the Battle Hymn of the Republic by the 9-12 Grade Choirs, Chamber Orchestra and Wind Symphony.

Veteran's Day, Thursday, November 11, 2021: The Brainerd Color Guard was part of a Veteran's Day program at the Riverside Elementary School in Brainerd. Photos below.

November 11, 2020: The Brainerd Honor Guard held a Veterans Day ceremony at the All Veterans Memorial. The event honors all veterans, living and dead. They do this every Veterans Day regardless of rain, sleet, snow or even COVID! They have seen it all; Korean veterans know cold and snow, Vietnam veterans know monsoon rain and steaming jungles. Gulf War veterans know heat and sand storms.

The day started with clearing eight inches of snow from the All Veterans Memorial. Thanks to Steve Kohls from the Brainerd Dispatch Newspaper for this video:

A tribute to veterans on video from Riverside Elementary School in Brainerd. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8HGRDCGkJo&feature=youtu.be

There was an interview with Post Chaplain Mark Persons, heard on WWWI 95.9 FM Pillager and KLKS 100.1 FM Radio in Pequot Lakes. http://www.rjbroadcasting.com/2020/11/11/veterans-day-chat-with-mark-persons/#page-content He explained the meaning of Veterans day. It aired live 8:15 am on 11/11/20. Then he was on for one hour with Aitkin veterans on KKIN Radio in Aitkin, MN.

Interview with Post Chaplain Mark Persons heard on KBLB 93.3 FM and KUAL 103.5 FM Radio Stations in Brainerd. Recorded for use 8 am to 9 am on 11/11/20

Interview with Post Chaplain Mark Persons heard on KLIZ-FM Radio 107.5 FM in Brainerd 11/11/20. Recorded for use 8 am to 9 am on 11/11/20

Normally, Veterans Day (November 11th) starts with a ceremony at Riverside Elementary School in Brainerd. The Honor Guard is there to present the flag and be applauded by students. Photos below are from 2019.