GLADWIN COUNTY
E ach year, Veterans Day becomes one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Gladwin County, as residents gather at their city memorials and schools to honor US military veterans. What follows are a few of the events that were held last Friday throughout the county to celebrate the men and women who have served.
Gladwin celebrates veterans and remembers the fallen GLADWIN
At 11 a.m. sharp on November 11, veterans, city officials, families, onlookers and the Gladwin High School Band gathered at the city’s war memorial for the annual Veterans Day ceremony. Vietnam veteran and American Legion Post 171 Commander Jim Volant led the ceremony.
“Today is about honoring all of those who have served,” Volant said. “No matter where or when, the nation is stronger because of you.”
After opening statements were made, the group gathered in prayer. The Gladwin High School Band then played the National Anthem. Once the band concluded, Volant introduced the Veterans Affairs Office Director Ken Roberts, who spoke to the significance of Veterans Day and to the importance of honoring local veterans.
Roberts provided an update on the plans for a new veteran memorial in Gladwin stating that the fundraising was going well, and that more opportunities would arise for donations including a 50/50 raffle.
State Representative elect Mike Hoadley was also present at the event and was invited to the podium to speak from his heart as a veteran. “I am honored to represent my fellow veterans and to be here today to celebrate their service,” Hoadley said.
Hoadley spoke on what it means to be a war veteran and how it carries on throughout life. He implored veterans young and old to get involved in their community if they hadn’t already.
“There are fantastic programs in our communities for veterans,” Hoadley said. “The American Legion is a great example, they give the engagement and purpose some of these veterans need. Staying involved helps to satisfy the sense of duty every veteran has.”
All veterans in attendance were then invited up to stand in front of the memorial as the crowd applauded them. Afterward, a lengthy list of Gladwin County veterans who have passed in the last year was read, followed by a moment of silence and then the playing of Taps. The American Legion Post 171 then led in the placing of the wreaths at the memorial before the event was concluded.
Veterans honored at Beaverton Schools
BEAVERTON
Beaverton Schools students and staff paid tribute to all the men and women in the community and beyond who’ve served and sacrificed for our freedom with its annual Veterans Day Salute Friday at Beaverton Elementary.
The gym was packed with students, veterans and families for the event, which featured the Posting of the Colors; video tributes from students; a performance from BJSHS band; a heartfelt address from featured speaker U.S. Air Force Sgt. Bob Frei; a flag folding demonstration with Frei and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Chris Torrez; an acoustic song performed by Phil Andrist; the playing of “Taps” by John Hawkins; and lively performances by students in grades two through six.
Those who missed the event may search ‘Beaverton Schools’ on Facebook or visit beavertonschools. net/veterans-day for a photo gallery and full video of the event.