EDITOR:

Every day, there are amazing people who change the world by doing something nice just to see someone smile. And there were lots of smiles to go around as all area veterans were honored for their service to our country at the Veterans Day Celebration that was held at the Delta County Chamber building and sponsored by the Delta County Veterans Council and the U. P. Military Museum.

The Delta County Veterans Council, the Steam & Gas Engine Association and the U. P. Military Museum want to thank local businesses for their help to make the day special for our veterans. Thank you to the Island Resort & Casino for their generous support for the luncheon catered by Wiles Food Service. Additional generous donations were received from First Bank Gladstone; Peninsula Federal Credit Union; Thrivent Financial; Thrivent Financial Action Team Grants; Escanaba Rotary Club; First Bank Gladstone; Peninsula Federal Credit Union; the Delta County Veterans Council; the Vet Center; Escanaba Steam Laundry; Bink’s; Dollar Tree; Meijers; Walmart; Gordon Foods; and Elmer’s Market. In addition, thank you for donations from the UP Honor Flight, Marble Knives, the U.P. Military Museum and the U.P. Steam & Gas Engine Association. All these donations produced an event where the veterans could feel valued and important, and for that we are sincerely grateful. We want you to know that we appreciate your donation more than just “thank you” can express. You will forever be in our hearts and prayers for making such meaningful contributions.

A big thank you also goes out to the numerous volunteers who so generously donated their time for set up on Saturday and staffing the event on Monday. From greeters at the door to cake cutters, to lunch servers, to coffee pourers, to those visiting with the veterans — we are grateful for your commitment to the veterans community. Chi Miigwech (thank you) to the young men of the Escanaba Indian Education Drum who, along with their leaders and teachers, Craig Woerpel and Wally and Skip Blanc, sang the beautiful honor song for all the veterans.

A big thank you to Derek Gagne, who offered a heartfelt and inspirational speech about managing life experiences that occur during a veteran’s journey. Thank you also goes out to Michael Olson for the incredible photos he took during the celebration — memories to revisit for years to come.

Thank you all for your kindness and generosity — with your help, this event was a huge success and it could not have been accomplished without you!

Mary Penet

Delta County