Honoring service and sacrifice on Veterans Day

Kalli Hawkins | November 11, 2025

Each year on Nov. 11, communities across the nation pause to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Veterans Day is a time to reflect on their courage, sacrifice, and the lasting importance of their service.

“Veterans Day should ideally serve as a link between the past, present, and future,” wrote Karen Christenson, Cook County Veterans Services Office, in a recent County Connections article.

The day serves as a reminder to honor those who have defended the nation while encouraging reflection on the cost of freedom. It’s also an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the service and sacrifices of veterans within communities across Minnesota and the country.

Christenson wrote, “Originally established to commemorate the armistice that ended World War I, Veterans Day has evolved into a day of tribute to all Veterans, irrespective of whether they served during wartime or peacetime.”

This afternoon, Cook County Schools will host their annual Veterans Day program to honor veterans in the Pam Taylor Gymnasium from 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Following the ceremony, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 413 in Grand Marais will host and serve a veterans day roast beef dinner at The Birch Terrace Supper Club from 4-6 p.m. Veterans and their spouses can eat free.

Throughout November, the Grand Marais American Legion Post 413 Women’s Auxiliary is also sponsoring free lunches for veterans on Mondays through Fridays at The Hub. Lunches can be dine-in or take-out, but must be ordered in advance by calling The Hub at 218-387-2660 by 9:30 a.m. on the day the meal is served.

To learn more about veterans’ services, contact Cook County Veteran Service Officer Karen Christianson at 218-387-3639. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment.

WTIP spoke with three veterans from Cook County about their experiences serving in the military in honor of Veterans Day. Audio is below.

Veteran Carl Solander

U.S. Navy 1966-1970