Northland Veterans and Active Military March Down Superior Street

Friends and Family cheered on Northland veterans and active military for Veterans Day.

DULUTH, Minn.- Dozens of veterans and active servicemen were greeted with cheers from friends and family as they marched through downtown Duluth.

Since the end of the Revolutionary War, nearly 57 million people have served in the United State military, and the Northland’s piece of that history marched from the Depot, down Superior Street, straight to the DECC where they were nothing less than celebrated for Veterans Day.

“It’s great to come down the streets of Duluth and have the people cheer for you,” 148th Fighter Wing veteran Penny Dieryck said.

From the bitter cold to the warm hearts indoors, Northland military members were recognized for their dedication to the country.

“I think it’s huge. All these men have given so much time and effort to– keeping us free,” Terri Ann Kimball said.

With colors and anthems and taps, servicemen and women showed their stripes to a young crowd in hopes of teaching them why they chose to serve.

“I’ve been all over Europe, the United States and two tours to Iraq and that was my main focus to join–was to see the world and I received that opportunity,” Dieryck said.

Penny Dieryck served in the 148th Fighter Wing for 35 years.

She says the Northland should be proud of how much they support their veterans.

“It’s just fun to have people out there who like to thank us, and we want to thank them,” she said.

Terri Ann Kimball is on the other end of the applause.

“They give so much time and effort and their family members really do miss them and support them, so being here and showing them we care is huge,” Kimball said.

Her husband is in the Marine Corps Reserve.

She says events where veterans are honored are few and far between, that’s why the day’s ceremony is so important.

“I kind of relate it to a sport, but it’s a lifetime sport– I mean the payoff is huge, but the payoff is also a lot bigger in the end,” Kimball said.

The veteran’s ceremony ended with a question supporters were meant to ask themselves: If not me, then who?

“As a young person, when you’re not really sure what you want to do, here’s what you can do: you can serve your country, you can stay local, and you can do those things you want to do,” Dieryck said.

The celebration doesn’t end with the holiday. The Northland is praised for its constant dedication to its veterans with events like the annual march and the remembrance dinner happening this friday (11/15) at the Depot.