Veterans Day Tributes Across Wyoming: Honors, Traditions, Community Events, and Educational Resources

Across Wyoming, communities are commemorating Veterans Day, recruiting volunteers, and offering holiday activities for residents of all ages. Here’s a round-up of what’s happening around the state.

The nonprofit organization Leadership Wyoming took to social media to pay tribute to veterans, recognizing the service, dedication, and impact veterans have had on their communities and the nation. Recently, some of the organization’s veterans visited the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois, where they were able to connect with military history and reflect on their experiences.

In Lander, a unique tradition brings early-morning energy to Veterans Day with a 5 AM cannon fire salute, a tribute that’s been upheld for decades. Local veterans, including leaders like Wade Mitchell, a NAVY Seabee, head out in the early hours to shoot off blank rounds from a Winchester mini cannon mounted on a moving truck. The early timing is meant to align with past Veterans Day cannon ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, and locals also joke that it’s designed to get everyone up in time for the Veterans Day breakfast. This year marks the fourth time County 10 has joined the veterans on their cannon tour around Lander.

In Evansville, the Food Bank of Wyoming is reaching out for volunteers to join their team. The organization promises that “packing produce” and “sharing smiles” at the food bank is rewarding for both the volunteers and the families they serve. More information can be found on the Food Bank of Wyoming’s Facebook page.

This week, educators in Wyoming and surrounding areas are encouraged to deepen their knowledge of Indigenous resources with a special focus on the Wind River Reservation. A virtual event is being held to promote learning about Indigenous cultures and histories, providing tools and insights for educators to share with their students.

For those looking to get crafty, ART 321 in Casper is holding a workshop on Thursday to teach participants how to create festive ribbon candy garlands out of felt. This hands-on event is perfect for anyone interested in making holiday decorations while learning a new crafting skill.

Mark your calendar for Breakfast with Santa at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, set for Saturday morning, December 14. Hosted by E&F Towing and Recovery and Oak View Group, this beloved event promises to bring holiday cheer to families throughout the area.

State offices in Wyoming, including those in Laramie County and Cheyenne, are closed today in observance of Veterans Day. Schools in Laramie County School District #1 are also closed, as are most banks. Cheyenne residents can expect a holiday break from public services like trash pickup, and the city’s Solid Waste Transfer Station, Compost Facility, and Sanitation Division offices are closed as well. Mail delivery by the U.S. Postal Service is also suspended for the day.

Meanwhile, the Cheyenne City Council meeting will be rescheduled for Tuesday, November 12, and city buses will not be running on Veterans Day. While many facilities are closed, the Cheyenne Aquatic Center and the Cheyenne Ice and Events Center remain open to the public.

With input from County 10, KGAB AM 650, and Wyoming News Now.