As a former Gibraltar High School grad, and again a Sister Bay resident, Julie Mangan Schaffer, Retired USMC Colonel, talked about the importance of community, and how vital creating and serving community has been throughout her life and military service, during the 2026 Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday morning. Watch her full speech at the end of this story.

The Door County Veterans Day ceremony was held at Gibraltar Schools this year, the new gym filling with students and staff in bleachers on two sides, community members, families, and veterans on the gym floor, flags posted behind them after the color guard presented.

American Legion Post 527 Commander Bill Becker was the Master of Ceremonies, introducing the crowd to elementary and high school student performances of patriotic songs: 'The Star Spangled Banner', 'You're A Grand Old Flag', 'America the Beautiful', and 'God Bless America'.

The Commanders from the attending Door County Veteran Posts introduced their attending members - three American legion posts, two VFW posts, AmVets, and Marine Corps Attachment were represented by veterans. Veterans Council President Dale Wiegand presented an American flag to Gibraltar School, and it was accepted by student Ethan Becker, who has indicated early interest in joining the military.

Door County Veterans Serivce Officer Beth Van Oss described the offerings and assistance her office provides, which includes helping veterans access and navigate their benefits. Van Oss said there are currently more than 2,000 veterans living in Door County that her office works to assist.