Veterans Day remembered in Wrangell events

Marking this year's remembrance of the country's veterans, several dinners and ceremonies paid tribute to local servicemen and women on Friday.

To start with, a number of businesses closed their doors for the day, giving veterans time to spend with friends and family. A charity run was held by Southeast Beasts first thing at 8 a.m., raising $135 dollars for local veteran services.

At the Wrangell High School gym at 10:30 a.m., several dozen veterans were given front-row seating for a commemorative presentation. It featured music, art, and poetry, put together by the school's students. Thematically it paid tribute to the sacrifices military personnel undergo during service, and with that price in mind reminded young people not to take their freedoms for granted.

The choir sang a rendition of "America the Beautiful," while a medley of themes gave current and former members of each branch of the military a chance to stand up, sing along and represent their chosen service.

"As a veteran sitting down there I was very impressed with what the school did," commented Bill Bailey, formerly of the Air Force. "I hope more veterans come out for it next year."

The local Elks Lodge's Emblem Club No. 87 hosted its traditional Veterans Day dinner, opening the club's doors to non-member veterans and their families. The American Legion Post 6 and Auxiliary held is dinner as well, serving up prime rib and ham over an array of sides for former service personnel.

At 98, the post's eldest Legionnaire, Ted Haux, gave the blessing and a story before dinner was served. "You are some of the finest people I've ever met in all my missionary work," he told the group.

Volunteers then served up 137 meals, a dozen of which were also delivered to those unable to make it out in person. Cards put together by the third grade class at Evergreen Elementary decorated tables, thanking veterans for their service. Everyone mingled over supper, laughing over remembered stories and spending a good couple of hours in each other's company.

A pair of raffles were held to benefit the post: the 50/50 earned $293 apiece for its winner and for the building's December heating bill, while a quilt made by Carol Haaseth brought in $225 for the Auxiliary.

"It was a wonderful turnout," post commander Chuck Petticrew remarked afterward.