ST. CLOUD -- A Veterans Day flag raising ceremony at St. Cloud Technical and Community College honored those who served in our nation's armed forces.

"It is an opportunity to do something more than just saying 'thank you'," says SCTCC President Joyce Helens. "There are a lot of 'shooting star' events (that only happen once) and that's not what we want here at the college -- we want something that is part of the fabric and culture of the college and our appreciation of the veterans is an ongoing effort."

Veteran of the Year Bob Nicol. (Photo by Isaac Schweer, WJON)
Veteran of the Year Bob Nicol. (Photo by Isaac Schweer, WJON)
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The ceremony honored 100-year-old Bob Nicols as Veteran of the Year. In his speech, Nichols thanked the families of those who served, saying the support they showed during wartime got many soldier through some tough times.

Along with Nicols, the ceremony honored Student Veterans of the Year Matthew Deno (SCTCC) and Brandon Askin (SCSU).

"[Seeing] the public show this much support is huge," Deno says. "[They] are the ones who make us strong and help keep us motivated while we're doing what we're doing."

"It's good to see a lot of people who still care," Askin says. "I said it in my (award) speech and I'll say it again -- if you really want to thank a veteran, be a citizen worth dying for."

 

Photo by Chrissy Gaetke, WJON
Photo by Chrissy Gaetke, WJON
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