CUSTER COUNTY–This Friday there will be celebrations, ceremonies, moments of silence, and resounding “thank yous” to honor all of our nation’s veterans who have served the United States in times of war and in times of peace.
One-hundred and four years ago on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11 month an armistice was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I. Armistice Day and now Veterans Day have been celebrated every year since then to commemorate all American soldiers.
Local schools and communities will be hosting public programs to honor and thank veterans.
Broken Bow veteran Dell Moninger told KCNI/KBBN the Veterans Memorial Board is hosting its annual soup supper in Broken Bow on Friday, November 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building.
Tickets are available from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or American Legion members, at the Culligan office, or call Dell for tickets: $6 in advance or at the door for adults and $3 for youth 12 and under.
Chicken noodle soup, chili, and sandwiches will be served to an estimated 400 attendees. There will also be a raffle for Grocery Kart gift cards. Volunteers are appreciated to help serve and clean up.
Moninger said the soup supper is a major fundraiser to help with the upkeep of the Veterans Building in Broken Bow. He said the board also appreciates individual donors and the Custer County Foundation to help with the necessary costs and maintenance.
As a junior in high school Dell joined the Army Reserves, served in Iraq in 2005, and got out in 2006. He continues to stay active in community veteran affairs. He notes the fact that veteran numbers are dwindling but appreciates group members who continue to be involved.
“In our local Veterans of Foreign Wars, we have one still World War II active member and he is still fairly active for his age which is pretty neat,” Moninger said.
Any veterans looking for resources can contact American Legion or VFW members and Custer County Veterans Service Officer Emory Haynes at (308) 872-2071.
Veterans Soup Suppers:
Broken Bow: Friday, November 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Broken Bow Municipal Building
Callaway: Friday, November 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Callaway Community Center
Mason City: Saturday, November 12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Community Hall
Veterans Day School Programs (Call the individual school to confirm date/time or if a school is not listed below):
Anselmo-Merna: 11/11 at 9:30 a.m.
Ansley: 11/14 at 9 a.m.
Arcadia: 11/11 at 10 a.m.
Arnold: 11/11 at 10 a.m.
Broken Bow: 11/11 at 9 a.m.
Callaway: 11/11 at 10 a.m.
Litchfield: 11/11 at 11 a.m.
Loup City: 11/11 at 10:30 a.m.
Loup County (Taylor): 11/11 at 10:45 a.m.
Sandhills (Dunning and Halsey): 11/11 at 1 p.m. in Halsey
Sargent: 11/11 at 9 a.m.
SEM: 11/10 at 1:30 p.m.
Thedford: 11/11 at 1 p.m.
