Veterans Day Program at ISD 166 recognizes and pays tribute to Cook County veterans
Veterans Day is a poignant reminder of the profound gratitude owed to the men and women who have answered the call of duty to serve our country.
It is a day to reflect on the unwavering commitment displayed by those who have served in the armed forces, recognizing that their sacrifices extend far beyond the battlefield. Leading up to Veterans Day, celebrated this year on Nov. 11, ISD 166 hosts a Veterans Day Program for community members, veterans, and students to honor and pay tribute to veterans in the community and beyond.
The annual event occurred on Friday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. in the Pam Taylor Gymnasium at Cook County High School. The ceremony included a performance by the Cook County School’s Choir of ‘Proud of Our Veterans’ with the help of vocals by second and third graders. Following the choir, the Cook County School Band, accompanied by community musicians, performed ‘Stars and Stripes’ and ‘March of the Magnificents.’
A Cook County High School alumni and veteran, Ty Backlund was the 2023 Veterans Day Program guest speaker. During his speech, he said, “If there’s anything that you could learn from veterans, whether they’ve served in combat or just served their country, or in any capacity at all, it would be to take care of each other as a community and look out for each other. And try to make this a better place.”
Superintendent Chris Lindholm said towards the end of the ceremony, “Today is a day for us as individuals, and us as a school community, and the greater Cook County community to recognize the service of our veterans in all five U.S. branches of armed forces.”
Find the recording of the Nov. 10 Veteran’s Day Program at the Pam Taylor gymnasium here.
Photos from the ceremony provided by Michael McHugh:
Veterans Day events:
There are a handful of other opportunities to pay tribute to Cook County veterans on Veterans Day. The American Legion, Post 413 and American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 413 are hosting a dinner on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Birch Terrace Restaurant in Grand Marais. Dinner will include a Roast Beef dinner, cake, and coffee. The meal will be provided for veterans and their spouses and open to the public.
Gene’s Foods is offering soup and a sandwich on Friday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 11, for all veterans, active military personnel, and their spouses in honor of Veterans Day.
Kalli Hawkins November 10, 2023
