Veterans Day festivities at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans

MARQUETTE -- Veterans Day is a day set aside to thank and honor the brave men and women who have served our country in times of war and peace.

Wednesday morning, many were on hand at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans to say "thanks" and to celebrate with the vets.

Veterans Day at the veterans home is a humbling experience.  Of course, it's wonderful to see all the vets, some of them still proudly wearing their uniforms.  But as Vicki Tikkanen sang to a packed chapel, "all gave some...but some gave all."

Two new cadets were sworn in to Northern Michigan University's ROTC, ready and willing if called to duty.

"It's just evidence of the fact that young people signing up today, enlisting today, absolutely know that they are going to be called upon to go into harm's way.  And they do so because they believe in freedom.  They do so because they want to serve their country," said Major General Tom Cutler, Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard.

"We're willing, and we're able, and I feel personally a calling to do it.  If not me, who else?" said newly sworn in Cadet Jordan Keinert.

It's that attitude that keeps us safe, and for that, we say thanks.

Representative Bart Stupak said, "Veterans Day is time for all Americans to stop...and pause...and thank those who have served and those who are currently serving our country."

Major General Tom Cutler added, "Veterans Day, of course, is a day where we just set some time aside to honor our veterans and to thank our veterans for their service."

"It's a great opportunity to thank all the veterans who have served and are serving in the Armed Services," said Cadet Paul Linsmeyer.

And Cadet Jordan Keinert stated, "To be sworn in on their day, of all days, is an incredible honor."

Taps, with the customary accompanying tears, a final salute and firing squad closed the morning.  Thank you veterans.

1:45 p.m. Newsroom

Veterans Day is a day set aside to thank and honor the men and women who have served our country in times of war and peace.

This morning at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, countless were honored, a few new Cadets were sworn in to the Northern Michigan University ROTC, and thanks were given to America's best.

Representative Bart Stupak was on hand and offered this:  "Veterans Day is time for all Americans to stop...and pause...and thank those who have served and those who are currently serving our country."

My full report can be seen tonight on your FOX UP News at 10.

Brad