Sturgis honored its military veterans on Wednesday, November 12, with a heartfelt Veterans Day program that combined tradition, fellowship, and remembrance. The event, organized by the Mead Sturgis American Legion Auxiliary Unit 33, featured an outdoor rifle volley followed by a warm indoor gathering where veterans enjoyed chili, cornbread and cake.
Tradition and Togetherness
“There’s still that same camaraderie between the veterans,” said Carol Edwards, president of the Auxiliary. “They still love to sit and visit and remember the days of service.” Edwards noted that the chili feed has been a staple for as long as she can recall, providing an opportunity for veterans to sit side‑by‑side, share memories, and strengthen bonds forged in uniform.
Mapping a Lifetime of Service
As part of the program, veterans were invited to place pins on a large world map indicating every location where they had been stationed. “It’s been interesting to have the veterans come up and say, ‘Oh, I was stationed in 20 different locations. You want me to mark all of them?’” Edwards recalled, highlighting the diverse experiences represented in the room.
Family Legacy of Service
Edwards shared that honoring veterans runs deep in her family; her father served in World War II, and she has attended Veterans Day ceremonies throughout her life. “We have to hear, learn from our veterans,” she said. “Events like this help to encourage that.” The program also featured a presentation by a commander identified as Sanderson, who spoke about the role of Blue Star women—wives and mothers who supported service members during World War II.
Ongoing Community Engagement
The American Legion Auxiliary and the Veterans of Foreign Wars maintain a year‑round presence at the Sturgis facility, hosting events such as a Four Chaplains remembrance in February and a St. Patrick’s Day dinner on March 17. These gatherings reinforce the town’s commitment to supporting those who have served and to fostering intergenerational connections.
Why It Matters
In a time when many communities struggle to keep veteran stories alive, Sturgis’ chili feed stands as a vivid reminder of the sacrifices made by men and women in uniform. By providing a space for veterans to share their histories, the town not only honors past service but also educates younger residents about the values of duty, faith, and family that underpin a strong community.
For more information about upcoming events at the Sturgis facility, residents are encouraged to contact the Mead Sturgis American Legion Auxiliary Unit 33.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
