Cedar Rapids Honors Veterans at Annual Ceremony

Veterans gathered Wednesday in Cedar Rapids to be recognized for their military service and sacrifices.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Awards

Row of American flags on tall poles in front of a brick civic building under a pale autumn sky, with an empty stone plaza below. — Veterans gathered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Wednesday to be recognized for their military service and sacrifices at an annual Veterans Day ceremony. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Veterans gathered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Wednesday for an annual Veterans Day ceremony recognizing their military service and sacrifices. The event included an ovation for a World War II veteran and awards presented by organizers.

Why it matters

The ceremony gives the community a direct way to express appreciation for veterans and brings them together for recognition and camaraderie. It reflects the holiday's origins in the end of World War I fighting on Nov. 11, 1918.

Dave Schiel, a Marine Corps veteran, received two Purple Hearts for his service in the Vietnam War. The holiday was renamed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954, but the number of attendees at the Cedar Rapids ceremony was not reported.

The players

Dave Schiel

A Marine Corps veteran who received two Purple Hearts for Vietnam War service and who counsels fellow veterans, including on PTSD.

The details

The Cedar Rapids ceremony recognized veterans' service and sacrifices and included an ovation for a World War II veteran along with awards presented by organizers. Dave Schiel, a Marine Corps veteran, helps other veterans navigate challenges related to their military service and has counseled veterans on PTSD.

Nov. 11, 1918: Fighting in World War I ended, which led to the creation of Armistice Day.
1954: Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day.
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026: Annual Veterans Day ceremony held in Cedar Rapids.

Season Trajectory

The annual Veterans Day observance traces back to the Nov. 11, 1918 armistice that ended World War I fighting and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. The Cedar Rapids ceremony continues that yearly tradition of honoring service members across generations.

Residents of Cedar Rapids can attend local ceremonies and recognize veterans in their own communities. The event offers a direct opportunity to participate in honoring those who served.

The takeaway

Taking part in local Veterans Day events is one simple way for residents to recognize the service and sacrifices of those who served. Community attendance helps keep the holiday's commemoration alive.