STAR JOURNAL REPORT

Representatives from American Legion Post 7 and VFW Post 3143 were joined by Nativity Catholic School junior high students and Oneida County Veterans Service Officer Tammy Javenkoski at the Oneida County Courthouse Veterans Monument Friday morning for the annual ceremony honoring United States veterans.

Flags at the Oneida County Courthouse are at half staff to honor the victims of this week’s deadly shooting in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Cindy Pitts of American Legion Post 7, left, and Tammy Javenkoski, right, listen as Mayor Chris Frederickson addresses the crowd.

Rhinelander Mayor Chris Frederickson, who also served in the Army Reserves, was the guest speaker. As winds picked up and snow began falling in earnest, the self-proclaimed “people’s mayor” said as he looks to build community, he looks to history.

“Our historical collections allow us to share terrific stories, including those of our greater Northwoods veterans,” Frederickson said. “[What we take from veterans is] loyalty, honor and uncommon, uncommon bravery. They understand sacrifice and cost to the degrees we don’t.”

Veterans salute the flag during the singing of the National Anthem.

Sunday is the 100th anniversary of the signing of the armistice between the Allies of World War I and Germany. The celebration has been modified in the United States, and renamed to serve as recognition of veterans from all wars. Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, Canada and several other countries also commemorate the armistice signing Nov. 11.

The flags at the courthouse were lowered to half-staff to honor victims of the deadly shooting in Thousand Oaks, Calif.