Veterans Day Ceremony in Stillwater: Nov. 11

A Veterans Day Ceremony will be held Sunday, Nov. 11 at 11:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial in Stillwater.

The Stillwater Veterans Memorial Board encourages all residents to attend the ceremony in recognition of Veterans Day, first proclaimed in 1919, to pay tribute to all U.S. military veterans, their service and sacrifice.

Master of Ceremonies: Veterans Memorial Board Chair Kevin Monio

Speaker: Colonel Thomas Simonet, the emergency preparedness liaison officer supporting the Department of Defense response to Homeland Security efforts to provide military support to civilian authorities during major disasters or special interest events.

Col. Simonet coordinates with local and state emergency managers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Defense to evaluate the most effective assets available to aid local communities when their resources become overwhelmed.

Born in Stillwater, Col. Simonet enlisted in the Air Force in 1972 and served as a crew chief before being released from active service and joining the Minnesota Air National Guard. He served as commander for three squadrons before being appointed the 133rd Airlift Wing Inspector General and later, the commander of the 133rd Maintenance Group. He has held his current assignment of EPLO for Minnesota since 2004.

Presentation and Retirement of Flags: The presentation and retirement of flags will be performed by the Stillwater American Legion and VFW Color Guard.

The names of veterans whose pavers have been installed at the Memorial since Memorial Day will be read. Veterans are encouraged to wear their uniform, medals, and/or a military hat. There will be limited seating, and attendees may wish to bring folding chairs to the ceremony.

More Info: For more information about the Stillwater Veterans Memorial, to purchase a paver, to volunteer or learn about serving on the board, visit www.stillwaterveteransmemorial.org or call 651-344-6245.