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Veterans Day 2024
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.
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Veterans Day events in Brainerd, Nov. 11, 2024, by Brainerd VFW Auxiliary member Sue Sterling. |
Patriotism is a word that doesn’t getting used much in the news or in social media, but it’s alive and well in Brainerd, MN. This year’s Veterans Day was recognized by many elementary school programs, with the Brainerd Honor Guard “Posting the Colors” and answering students’ questions about being a soldier. St. Francis of the Lakes School brought many of their students to the All-Veterans Memorial to witness the Honor Guard’s 21 Gun-Salute and the playing of Taps, followed by a question-and-answer session with some of the Brainerd Honor Guard members. It’s an experience the students will remember for a long time.
The Brainerd High School had an outstanding Veterans Day Program this year, which included the Chamber Orchestra and Wind Symphony, along with the combined 9-12 grade choirs. Their performance of the Star-Spangled Banner inspired all who sang along. Their performance of the Battle Hymn of the Republic was very moving, and very well performed vocally and instrumentally. We’d like to express our appreciation to the music department instructors, as well as the students, for their brilliant performance. Principal Andrea Rusk and the school staff outdid themselves with this well-organized program. The Speaker was Major Daniel Holmes, a Retired Marine Corp/Army National Guard, who spoke about many issues that our veterans and their families face today. His down-to-earth speech touched the hearts of many of the veterans in the audience.
The local Quilts of Honor group presented handmade, patriotic-themed quilts to twelve veterans from our community who have served their country well. Those quilts will remind them that their service of so many years ago made them an important part of the community, and a legacy to the youth of this country.
The Brainerd High School had an outstanding Veterans Day Program this year, which included the Chamber Orchestra and Wind Symphony, along with the combined 9-12 grade choirs. Their performance of the Star-Spangled Banner inspired all who sang along. Their performance of the Battle Hymn of the Republic was very moving, and very well performed vocally and instrumentally. We’d like to express our appreciation to the music department instructors, as well as the students, for their brilliant performance. Principal Andrea Rusk and the school staff outdid themselves with this well-organized program. The Speaker was Major Daniel Holmes, a Retired Marine Corp/Army National Guard, who spoke about many issues that our veterans and their families face today. His down-to-earth speech touched the hearts of many of the veterans in the audience.
The local Quilts of Honor group presented handmade, patriotic-themed quilts to twelve veterans from our community who have served their country well. Those quilts will remind them that their service of so many years ago made them an important part of the community, and a legacy to the youth of this country.
November 11, 2024: Riverside Elementary School. Students put on a great program for their families and for veterans. The Brainerd Honor Guard posted the colors. Veterans were asked to stand up and be recognized. Army Sergeant James Turner was the main speaker. He brought his daughter and told how important it is to defend our country.
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A patriotic melody by the 4th grade class. --> |
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November 11, 2024: Brainerd High School. This is an annual event where veterans are honored.
The school gym was filled to capacity.
This is the center part where veterans and their families sat.
The Brainerd Honor Guard presented the flag. The guest of honor was Major Daniel Holmes, a retired Marine and Army National Guard soldier. Holmes graduated from the Brainerd High School in 1968 and spent 32 years in the service through good and bad times. He is member of the Brainerd VFW and Legion.
Sue Caroll presented Quilts of honor to Daniel Holmes, Dennis Sands, William "Bill" Mathies, Keith Card, Duane Berg, Richard Stoltman, Clayton Eisel, George Hoff, Charles Holst, Roy Luukkonen, Ronald "Sarge" Mickivicius and Vern Martin.
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The combined 9-12th grade choirs, the Chamber Orchestra & Wind Symphony performed Battle Hymn of the Republic to a standing ovation. |
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November 11, 2024: A ceremony was held at the All-Veterans Memorial in Brainerd at 11:11 am.
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The Brainerd Honor Guard was at the All-Veterans Memorial at 4th and Laurel Streets. There were three rifle volleys followed by Taps. |
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A number of students were in attendance from St. Francis of the Lakes School. They enthusiastically asked questions of the soldiers present. This has become an annual event.
November 7, 2024: The Third-Grade Class at Baxter Elementary School put on a Veterans program for students and parents. The Brainerd Honor Guard posted the colors. Then there was a Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Star-Spangled Banner. Students talked about Veterans Day and then there was singing.
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The Armed Forces Medley was sung - >> |
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Then students assembled to ask questions of local veterans. Questions like, why did you enlist, what was the food like, where did you serve and what was it like to be away from home. They were reminded that they would be speaking Japanese or German if America had lost World War Two. Then students assembled to ask questions of local veterans. Questions like, why did you enlist, what was the food like, where did you serve and what was it like to be away from home. They were reminded that they would be speaking Japanese or German if America had lost World War Two.
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November 2024: From the Veterans Day Salute in the Brainerd Dispatch newspaper. Most of those below are members of the Brainerd VFW.
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2024 interviews on Brainerd area radio stations about Veterans Day. Bill Wroolie and Mark Persons, from the Brainerd VFW and DAV, are shown in this photo with Zach Mahoney and Mac Macdonald, the morning crew at KLIZ Radio.
(l-r) Zach Mahoney, Bill Wroolie, Mac and Mark Persons. Zach and Mac are the morning show on KLIZ Radio.
What is a Veteran? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIjgpzGC6h0
