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Veterans Day program in Pinedale Keynote Speaker Hank Ruland Pinedale High School graduate. Served in Korea in the US Army, served in law enforcement for over 35 years, and served as Sublette County Sheriff. Pinedale High School Combined Choirs Directed by Gregory Allen PHS Concert Band Played "The Battle Cry of Freedom." Directed by Justin Smith. Taps Played by Fatima Mata and Reece Woolwine

Veterans Day honors all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, living and dead. It celebrates their patriotism and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the protection of their country. Programs recognize those who have served, and are the community’s opportunity to express gratitude for living veterans for their contributions, and to educate younger generations about the meaning of service and sacrifice. Veterans Day programs were held in Pinedale at the Elementary School, the Middle School and High School on Tuesday, November 11th. The community program was held in the Sheppard Auditorium. A luncheon followed at the Pinedale VFW.

2025 Veterans Day program in Pinedale:
Phil Vrska, U.S. Marines presided over Posting of Colors.
Invocation was by Chaplain Randy Belton, U.S. Marines
Master of Ceremonies: Michael Edison, Commander, American Legion Post 47
Keynote Speaker: Hank Ruland
Musical selections were by the Pinedale High School Wrangler Chorale and Pinedale High School Concert Band.
Girls State Delegate Speakers were Alyce Hayward, Bryne Arne, and Miranda Bousman
Taps was performed by Fatima Mata and Reece Woolwine

American Legion Community Awards:
Educator Award: Justin Woltz, Pinedale Middle School Principal - "for supporting the mission of the American Legion by promoting Americanism and Veteran Support. We appreciate all you do for our local Veterans, their families, and our communities." He was instrumental in setting up a new program at the Pinedale Middle School called "Local Legends."
Local Legends Award: Mrs. Rosemarie Brewer, Holocaust Survivor - "For supporting the mission of the American Legion by promoting Americanism. Thank you for sharing with us your personal story of a Holocaust Survivor of WWII Germany. We very much appreciate all you do for our local Veterans, their families, and our communities."
Educator Award: Dr. Edwin Vodak Doctor and pioneer stem cell researcher, speaker at the Local Legends program - "For Supporting the American Legion by promoting Americanism and Veteran Support. Thank you for sharing the incredible story of Sonny Fassoulis, a WWII veteran, B-17 Navigator and personal friend. We appreciate all you do for our local Veterans, their families, and our communities."

World War 1 was known as "The Great War." It lasted from 1914 to 1918. There were over 70 men from Pinedale and the Upper Green that answered the call to serve during WWI. The war ended with an armistice, an agreement in which both sides agree to stop fighting, rather than a surrender. For both sides, an armistice was the fastest way to end the war’s misery and carnage. This armistice was signed on November 11, 1918. On the 11th day, on the 11th month and on the 11th hour, all hostilities ceased in the Great War. All shooting stopped. All guns fell silent. The killing was over.

Armistice Day started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country’s service. In 1954, the holiday was changed to "Veterans Day" in order to account for all veterans in all wars, both living and dead.