On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month a standing-room-only crowd gathered in the Memorial Building in Devils Lake to pay tribute to veterans of all branches of military service.
There were patriotic songs performed by the Devils Lake Elks Band and the Just for Kix dancers, prayers led by Pastor Bruce Dick from Bethel Evangelical Free Church and a precision demonstration of rifle handling by the JROTC Drill Team.
The ladies of the VFW Auxiliarly of the Neathery Simenson Post 756 gave a stirring tribute to the armed forces bringing in the flags of various branches of the service as the Elks Band played their theme song and those who had served in those branches were asked to stand; Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines.
The VFW Color Guard with Jack Nash commanding punctuated the ceremony at beginning and end carrying the flags.
LTC Clark Johnson who is commander of the 136 CSSB delivered the keynote address and reminded the audience that they can thank a vet for their service by being a good American citizen and appreciating the life they have.
The hour-long event emceed by Emery Fisher was a moving and inspiring celebration of American pride and service. A free meal for all served at the VFW was announced at the event’s closing, just shy of noon.
At 1 p.m. began the community of Fort Totten’s three-hour celebration in honor of Veterans Day.
Special music was performed throughout by the Rhythm Riders drum group and a country-gospel combo visiting from Fort Yates.
A solemn procession of veterans brought in the colors and eagle staff to the standing-room-only gathering in the gym at Cankdeska Cikana Community College.
President Cynthia Lindquist-Mala welcomed the crowd and talked briefly about the college and its history.
The speaker who delivered the keynote address focused on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and how difficult it is sometimes for soldiers when they return home after serving.
The ceremony, emceed by Dr. Russ McDonald, included candle lighting where each person passed around the flame and the gym was darkened as the drum group and singers led a time of prayer.
Eagle feathers were presented to over 30 veterans who were present making an expanding circle and everyone was invited to go around that circle and shake the hand of the men and women gathered who had served.
At the end of the event, star quilts were given to the event’s sponsors and a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings was served to everyone starting with the elders and veterans.
It, too, was a moving and inspiring celebration of American pride and service.
