On the brisk morning of Nov. 11, the roads leading into Snow Mountain Ranch carried more than just traffic. They carried tradition, gratitude and remembrance, as community members gathered together to celebrate Veterans Day.

As cars pulled up the drive around 7:30 a.m., a massive American flag hung suspended over the road between fire trucks from the East and West Grand fire departments. The sight was striking, a bold reminder of the unity and sacrifice this special day represents. 

Veterans Day is traditionally on Nov. 11 because the armistice that ended World War 1 when into effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

Inside the Schlessman Family Camp Hub, the largest and newest building on the ranch, the atmosphere was equally powerful. The space brimmed with scores of veterans spanning eight decades of service, from the Korean War to the present day, alongside their families, friends and community members.

The sheer size of the gathering reflected how deeply Grand County values its veterans and how this tradition has grown since Snow Mountain Ranch first began hosting veterans in 2001, in the wake of 9/11.

Quilts of Valor

One of the morning’s most moving moments came with the presentation of Quilts of Valor. Handmade by the Peaks n Pines Quilt Guild, five veterans nominated by the community received quilts as a symbol of comfort and recognition. Vietnam veteran Dale Baan, who served in 1964, moved many to tears as he expressed how meaningful it was to be welcomed home in this way.

“There were years after Vietnam when we weren’t welcomed home, but this is wonderful,” Baan said. 

His words carried weight, recalling the painful reality that many Vietnam veterans faced when they returned to their communities, often disillusioned and criticized for the sacrifices they and their comrades made for our country.

POW/MIA table

Next, veterans presented the POW/MIA Table for One. This symbolic setting, a single place at the table, honored those who never returned from battle and remain unaccounted for.

Each element of the display carried meaning: the empty chair, the solitary plate, the candle of hope. It was a moving reminder of absence, resilience and the enduring hope that those missing might one day return.  

Student performances

The East Grand Middle School choir and East Grand Elementary mini‑singers added their voices to the program, continuing a tradition that has lasted for generations. They filled the hall with song, underscoring the importance of teaching younger generations the values of service and sacrifice, as they lifted their voices for the National Anthem and other patriotic melodies.

Guest speaker

The program concluded with remarks from Charlie Watkins, a Vietnam War pilot who once flew for General George S. Patton IV. At 81, Watkins spoke with the authority of experience and the humility of someone who has lived a life of service.

He encouraged veterans to think beyond their years in uniform and urged them to remain leaders in their communities. Leadership, he said, doesn’t end with retirement. It shows up in everyday acts of responsibility and care for others.

Community spirit

From the breakfast that fed hundreds to the volunteers who made the event possible, the day reflected Grand County’s deep respect for its veterans. As the crowd dispersed, one message stood out: Veterans Day is not about celebrating war, but about honoring the men and women who carried its burdens and continue to strengthen the community today.