NEGAUNEE — November 11th is considered to be a sacred holiday for many Americans. The day, known as Veterans Day, celebrates the service of millions of Americans gave to their country.

Here in the U.P., the Negaunee VFW hosted their annual Veterans Day ceremony this morning.

On a day the entire country puts life on hold to honor all of our veterans, the colossal amount of gratitude and respect in Negaunee held no boundaries.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a large crowd gathered outside at the Veterans Memorial Park next to city hall.

The reason requires little to no explanation.

“The debt of gratitude that this country owes to veterans is monumental,” said Tom Stanaway with the VFW in Negaunee, “first of all we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the veterans themselves; both those who have passed in wars and the ones who are still alive.”

Stanaway added that there are roughly 25,000 veterans in the Upper Peninsula alone.

“Not all of them are recognized personally. It’s still nice at the fact the country sets aside a day for this country to recognize them. Veterans are all over the place. If we don’t have a day which Veterans Day is here to recognize them, all is lost.”

Following the service a luncheon was held at the Negaunee – VFW just down the road.