Voices of Veterans Day 2018

Veterans Day 2018 was observed in two special ceremonies on Monday, November 12. The day started in Grand Portage, at American Legion Post 2019. The Stonebridge Singers started the day with first a welcome drum song, followed by an honor song for veterans.

Legion Post 2019 Commander Orlando Swader was the keynote speaker who spoke about remembrance, sharing the historic poem, In Flanders Field by John McCrae. He thanked all veterans for their service, those who have passed and those serving today.

Grand Portage Veterans Services Officer Clarence Everson gave a brief video presentation with music and poignant photos of service men and women around the world. The video included statements from the top military officials at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. honoring veterans on this special day.

The event ended with a time for friendship and fellowship over a luncheon prepared by the Grand Portage Legion Auxilliary.

Many local veterans also attended the Veterans Day Concert at School District 166.

That event featured the Cook County High School Choir and Band. Continuing the remembrance theme of Orlando Swader's speech, the choir performed a song, based on the poem In Flanders Field. 

Bob Carter, an Army medic who served in Vietnam, was the speaker. Carter gave a meaningful speech, sharing a wish made by President John F. Kennedy in the 1960s—that there be no need for veterans; that there be peace in the world.

Carter also expressed thanks to the American Legion Post 413 Honor Guard, which started the ceremony with the presentation of the flags, and all of the veterans at the event. He said as years have passed, he has become more and more thankful with the bond with “his brothers and sisters” of the service.

The event ended with a lovely echoing version of Taps, performed by Jack Willis (pictured in slideshow) and Jonah Schmidt.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence was at the ceremonies and she shares this report.