Museum Lights Freedom Trees for Veterans Day
Chennault Aviation and Military Museum honored service members during its annual Veterans Day ceremony in Monroe.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Military
The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum lit its freedom trees during its annual Veterans Day ceremony, honoring those who served in the U.S. armed forces. Mike Dilda, Louisiana's assistant secretary of veterans affairs and a Desert Storm veteran, delivered the keynote address.
Why it matters
The ceremony recognizes service members across every branch of the military, along with prisoners of war and those still missing in action. It marks an annual local tribute to veterans in the Monroe area.
The ceremony was held on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026, and referenced 250 years since American independence. No attendance or participation figures were reported.
The players
Chennault Aviation and Military Museum
A Monroe, Louisiana museum dedicated to aviation history and the military service of American veterans.
Mike Dilda
Louisiana's assistant secretary of veterans affairs and a Desert Storm veteran who served as keynote speaker.
Nell Calloway
Director of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum who oversees the institution's exhibits and programming.
The details
Museum staff lit the freedom trees, which represent each branch of the U.S. military, prisoners of war, and those missing in action. Keynote remarks were delivered by Mike Dilda at the event hosted by the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum.
Timeline
November 11, 2026: Veterans Day ceremony held at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum with freedom trees lit.
Big Picture
Veterans Day observances trace back to the federal Veterans Day designation enacted in 1954, and local ceremonies like this one carry that annual tradition into communities across the country.
Residents in the Monroe area can attend the museum's public ceremonies to observe the annual tribute to veterans. The event offers a local opportunity to recognize service members and their families.
The takeaway
Local ceremonies like the one at the Chennault museum keep veterans' service visible in everyday community life. Attending such events is a direct way for residents to recognize those who served.
Further reading
Explore more military news coverage tied to local tributes like this one.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Knoe.
