Duluth Hosts State Veterans Day Ceremony

Hundreds of veterans and community members gathered at the Duluth National Guard Training and Community Center for Minnesota's official Veterans Day observance.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Military

A large American flag lifts on a tall pole above a low civic building and bare trees, with a grey Lake Superior harbor beyond under overcast light. — Minnesota marked its official Veterans Day observance Wednesday at the Duluth National Guard Training and Community Center, with U.S. Sen. Tina Smith speaking to hundreds of veterans. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Minnesota's official Veterans Day ceremony was held Wednesday at the Duluth National Guard Training and Community Center, drawing hundreds of veterans and community members. Speakers recognized all veterans for their service and the role Duluth and northeastern Minnesota play in serving the country.

Why it matters

The ceremony highlights the contributions of Minnesota's veterans and the military presence in the Duluth area. It also underscores the region's ongoing role in national defense and maritime safety.

The 148th Fighter Wing, reactivated in 1948 with 50 airmen, now has more than 1,000 airmen, according to figures cited at the ceremony. The source does not give a precise attendance count beyond 'hundreds' of attendees.

The players

Tina Smith

U.S. Senator from Minnesota, who spoke at the ceremony.

Brad Lindsay

Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, who spoke about the 148th Fighter Wing.

The details

U.S. Sen. Tina Smith spoke at the event alongside senior leaders of the Minnesota National Guard and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. Brad Lindsay, the department's commissioner, discussed the history of the 148th Fighter Wing, and speakers also recognized Coast Guard members stationed locally for their work keeping area waters safe.

1948: The 148th Fighter Wing was reactivated.
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026: Minnesota's official Veterans Day ceremony was held in Duluth.

Roadmap

The 148th Fighter Wing's growth from 50 airmen in 1948 to more than 1,000 today reflects the long arc of Minnesota's Air National Guard. The ceremony places Duluth's military role within that continuing history of service.

Residents in Duluth and northeastern Minnesota can attend or follow future state veterans events and learn about the local National Guard presence. The recognition of Coast Guard work also highlights the maritime safety role many area residents depend on.

The takeaway

Recognizing veterans locally keeps the service of Duluth-area guardsmen and Coast Guard members visible to the community. Readers can use such ceremonies to learn more about the people who serve nearby.