Veterans Day Program in Jordan to Feature Brigadier General and Colonel as Keynote Speakers
By Ryan Dahnert
The Jordaness Lions Club is set to honor local veterans and active military personnel with their 2024 Veterans Day Program on Monday, November 11, at the Jordan High School Auditorium. The event will feature keynote addresses from Brigadier General Kathleen Clary and Colonel Seth Pederson, both active-duty Army officers, who are expected to share their perspectives on service and dedication to country. The program, which will recognize local veterans and high school seniors committed to joining the military after graduation, begins at 1:50 PM, with doors opening at 1:30 PM.
Reflecting on the importance of Veterans Day to students and the community, Jordan Superintendent Ranae Case Evenson shared, “As a school district, we are always so grateful for the opportunity for our students to spend time with our Veterans and to observe what Veterans Day means to our whole community. Thank you to all those who have served and who continue to serve so our students can be afforded all the opportunities in life.”
The Jordaness Lions Veterans Day event has become a cherished tradition, held biennially since 2013, and seeks to deepen students' understanding of civic duty and gratitude toward veterans. Originally targeted at Jordan’s 9th and 10th grade students, the program has expanded to include middle and high school students from both Jordan Middle School and St. John’s . In partnership with Jordan school administration, the Lions Club works to ensure that the program’s messages of honor and respect reach as many students as possible.
Over the years, the Jordaness Lions have hosted several prominent military figures as keynote speakers, including some who are Jordan natives and alumni of Jordan High School. In 2017, the event welcomed Senator Amy Klobuchar as the keynote speaker, underscoring the significance of the tribute to the community. The event has included moving presentations from the Jordan Honor Guard, musical performances by the JHS Band and Choirs, and, symbolic presentations on the meaning of “folding the flag.”
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the Jordaness Lions found creative ways to continue honoring veterans. Working closely with the schools, they introduced an “Adopt a Vet” initiative in which high school and middle school students wrote letters, and younger students made cards, sending these messages of thanks to local veterans.
The club works diligently to maintain an accurate list of veterans in the community for invitations, although this process requires annual updates due to privacy considerations. Regardless of formal invitations, the Jordaness Lions welcome all veterans and their families to join the celebration as honored guests.
Following the program, all guests are invited to a reception in the lecture room for refreshments, courtesy of the Jordaness Lions.
About the Jordaness Lions Club:
The Jordaness Lions, an all-women chapter of Lions Clubs International, is a dedicated service organization focused on supporting both local and global communities. Founded on the motto “We Serve,” the Jordaness Lions Club channels 100% of its fundraising proceeds into community projects and needs. With a current membership of 49 women, the club emphasizes fun, camaraderie, and friendship alongside their shared commitment to service.