From sunrise ceremonies on tribal lands to elementary students serving donuts to former servicemen and women, Bingham County spent Veterans Day honoring those who served—and calling on residents to do more.

Blackfoot Mayor Marc Carroll issued a proclamation urging the community to illuminate green lights at homes, businesses and government buildings Nov. 5 to Nov. 11 in support of Operation Green Light and veterans pursuing VA benefits.

The mayor’s proclamation laid out stark numbers: 17 million veterans need help accessing benefits. Many struggle to receive the physical and mental health care, social support and educational benefits they earned.

“Veterans Day is observed annually to honor and recognize the Veterans who unselfishly volunteered to protect and defend the liberties and freedoms which are enjoyed by 342 million Americans,” the proclamation stated.

Bingham County responded with events Monday and Tuesday.

Monday night, the Greater Blackfoot Area Chamber of Commerce packed the Blackfoot Performing Arts Center for a Veterans Day Salute. The Bar D Wranglers provided music and comedy while the community celebrated the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary.

Tuesday morning began at dawn in Fort Hall. At 7 a.m., the tribal community gathered at the Shoshone-Bannock High School for a Sunrise Ceremony Traditional 49, followed by breakfast. The Osbourne families have organized the ceremony for more than 35 years—a tradition passed down through generations.

Across Blackfoot, schools opened their doors to veterans. Heritage Sixth Grade students served donuts and coffee at 7:45 a.m. Independence High School’s Honor Guard raised the flag at 8:30 a.m. Mountain View Middle School, Donald D. Stalker Elementary, Riverbend Elementary and Ridge Crest Elementary held programs at 9 a.m.

At 10:30 a.m., Blackfoot High School brought veterans to the Performing Arts Center. Blackfoot police Sgt. Jonathan Hay, a former Marine, spoke to students about service. Starmaker Tina Keeling presented stars to veterans in the audience.

The day continued with assemblies at Wapello Elementary, Groveland Elementary and Fort Hall Elementary —every school finding time to say thank you.

At noon, a Navy veteran stood at the Courthouse Bell in Blackfoot’s Courtyard Square Park. He rang it following the Navy tradition of watch bells on ships—the tolling that marks when a sailor is lost at sea.

The mayor’s proclamation referenced the 2022 PACT Act, the largest VA health care and benefit expansion in history. More than 850,000 veterans have applied for assistance since it passed.

Veterans seeking help can contact Bingham County Veteran Service Officer Susan Denny at 208-782-3097 or SDenny@binghamid.gov.

Robertta Matulis, Community Resource Specialist for Southeast Idaho with the Idaho Department of Veteran Services, can be reached at 208-816-0562 or robertta.matulis@veterans.idaho.gov. More information is available at veterans.idaho.gov.

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes provide services at https://www.forthallveterans.org/ or by contacting Nolan Thorpe at 208-240-3812.