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Veterans Day 2023
in Brainerd, MN, USA Honoring Veterans on November 11th |
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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.
Saturday, November 11, 2023: There was a short Honor Guard ceremony with a three-volley rifle salute and Taps at the All-Veterans Memorial, 4th and Laurel Streets in Brainerd at 11:11 am.
Friday, November 10, 2023: Veterans were invited to the Brainerd High School for the annual veteran program. The Brainerd Honor Guard presented the colors and the
The guest speaker was Charles "Chip" Rankin, a combat veteran and commander of the 1st Armored Combat Brigade, 34th Infantry Division, MN Army National Guard. He had veterans stand up to be recognized starting with WWI, then to those currently serving. He said we are lucky to live in a country where brave individuals put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms.
Sue Carroll with Quilts of Honor was there to present hand-made quilts to WWII veteran Les Mason, then to Korean veterans Alvan Guck, Earl Johnson, Richard Klein, Harold Lachelt, Jerry Leese, Jack Ruttger, Allen Sly, LeRoy Thompson and Donald Walker.
The guest speaker was Charles "Chip" Rankin, a combat veteran and commander of the 1st Armored Combat Brigade, 34th Infantry Division, MN Army National Guard. He had veterans stand up to be recognized starting with WWI, then to those currently serving. He said we are lucky to live in a country where brave individuals put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms.
Sue Carroll with Quilts of Honor was there to present hand-made quilts to WWII veteran Les Mason, then to Korean veterans Alvan Guck, Earl Johnson, Richard Klein, Harold Lachelt, Jerry Leese, Jack Ruttger, Allen Sly, LeRoy Thompson and Donald Walker.
In total, the Brainerd Honor Guard performed at six schools during Veterans Week in 2023.
Friday, November 10, 2023: The annual program at Riverside Elementary School. Students put on a program of singing and reading in honor of veterans. The featured speaker was E5 Sergeant Ms. Zinna Finna from Guam.
November 19, 2023: Veterans ate free at the monthly Brainerd VFW Sunday breakfast, in honor of Veterans Day.
And, there was also a bake sale put on by the Brainerd VFW Auxiliary.
A great breakfast for everyone at the Brainerd VFW.
November 9, 2023: Veteran ceremonies at Garfield Elementary School in Brainerd. Coordinated by Heather Larson, it featured songs America the Beautiful, the Star-Spangled Banner and We are Americans. Veterans in the audience were recognized for their service. Dawn Garin and Pat Wing brought VFW Poppies for all the kids in school. The Brainerd Honor Guard was there, and Taps were played.
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Proud to be an American
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Taps
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November 9, 2023: The Brainerd Honor Guard was part of a Veterans Day program at the Baxter Elementary School. it was a full house with students, teachers and parents. Students gave short speeches and sang. That included Hail Minnesota and the Armed Forces Medley when servicemembers stood while their service song. Brainerd VFW provided the Blue T shirts with flags. The program was put together by Mrs. Jill Lee.
Then third-grade students at Baxter Elementry were invited to ask questions of veterans. That was a 45-minute session. The discussion included: Why did you join, where did you do basic training, where did you serve and what was it like to be away from family? Like family, the veterans told of covering each other's back and how they were closer to their buddies in the service than they were to friends in school. Steve Rosenow said we live in the greatest country in the world because soldiers sacrificed for our freedom. All said they would do it again. There are women veterans too.
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November 8, 2023: (l-r) Brainerd VFW member Jeff McArthur, WJJY-FM Radio personalities Tess Taylor and Ken Thomas, then Brainerd VFW member Mark Persons. A recording of the interview was played on KBLB-FM and KUAL-FM the next day.
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November 8, 2023: (l-r) Morning host on KLIZ-FM Radio Danny Wildman, Brainerd VFW member Jeff McArthur, KLIZ morning co-host Mac and the Brainerd VFW member Mark Persons.
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(l-r) Mark Persons and Jeff McArthur from the Brainerd VFW being interviewed by announcer Brad Mielke on WWWI Radio, November 7, 2023.
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| veterans_day_radio_interview-2023.doc |
What is a Veteran? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIjgpzGC6h0
