DICKINSON, N.D. — Nov. 11, 2025 — Dickinson State University will host the community’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. in May Hall’s Dorothy Stickney Auditorium. The event, organized by the American Legion Post #3 and led by longtime coordinator Dr. Rich Brauhn, continues a respected tradition honoring the service and sacrifice of U.S. veterans.
Veterans Day, first observed in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I, became a national holiday in 1926 and was later designated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as a day to honor all who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
For the past 20 years, Dr. Brauhn — a U.S. Army veteran and Vice Commander of American Legion Post #3 — has directed the ceremony. Brauhn served from 1962 to 1964 as a heavy weapons specialist in Vietnam with the Military Assistance Command Team 90 in Tay Ninh Province, earning the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and South Vietnam’s Cross of Honor. During his tenure as DSU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, he moved the ceremony to campus to deepen the connection between the university and the Dickinson community.
This year’s program will include:
- Master of Ceremonies: Dr. Rich Brauhn
- Advance of Colors: American Legion Post #3 Honor Guard
- Star-Spangled Banner: N-Compass Chorus
- Invocation: Mr. Bob Stockert, veteran and deacon at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church
- Veterans Day Address: Retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jack W. Cripe
- Musical Performances: “America the Beautiful” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” by N-Compass Chorus
- POW/MIA Presentation: Mr. Brian Benesh, veteran
- Taps and Rifle Salute: American Legion Post #3 Honor Guard
- Benediction: Mr. Bob Stockert
- Closing Remarks: Dr. Rich Brauhn
Reflecting on the meaning of the day, Brauhn said, “Veterans Day honors the men and women who have served our nation in the armed forces. There is no higher privilege than to serve our country so that we may enjoy the freedoms we hold today.”
The ceremony is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and honor those who have served.
Special thanks are extended to the following organizations for their support: Dickinson State University, the City of Dickinson, the American Legion Matthew Brew Post #3 Honor Guard, and the N-Compass Chorus.