Central ND News

Dickinson State University will hold the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. in May Hall’s Dorothy Stickney Auditorium. The event is organized by the American Legion Post #3 and led by Dr. Rich Brauhn, who has coordinated the ceremony for two decades.

Veterans Day was first observed in 1919 to mark the end of World War I. In 1926, it became a national holiday, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower later designated it as a day to honor all United States Armed Forces veterans.

Dr. Brauhn, Vice Commander of American Legion Post #3 and a U.S. Army veteran, served from 1962 to 1964 as a heavy weapons specialist in Vietnam with Military Assistance Command Team 90 in Tay Ninh Province. He received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and South Vietnam’s Cross of Honor for his service. As DSU’s former Vice President for Academic Affairs, he moved the ceremony to campus to strengthen ties between the university and the local community.

This year’s program includes several segments:

- Dr. Rich Brauhn will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

- The American Legion Post #3 Honor Guard will present the colors.

- N-Compass Chorus will perform the national anthem and other patriotic songs.

- Mr. Bob Stockert, a veteran and deacon at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, will deliver the invocation and benediction.

- Retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jack W. Cripe will give the Veterans Day Address.

- Mr. Brian Benesh, a veteran, will conduct the POW/MIA Presentation.

- The American Legion Post #3 Honor Guard will perform Taps and Rifle Salute.

- Closing remarks will be given by Dr. Brauhn.

Reflecting on Veterans Day, Dr. Brauhn said: “Veterans Day honors the men and women who have served our nation in the armed forces. There is no higher privilege than to serve our country so that we may enjoy the freedoms we hold today.”

The ceremony is open to everyone in the community.

Organizers have extended thanks to Dickinson State University, City of Dickinson, American Legion Matthew Brew Post #3 Honor Guard, and N-Compass Chorus for their support.