Fulton County Honors Veterans at Courthouse
Local posts and officials gathered outside the Rochester courthouse on Wednesday, November 11, to mark Veterans Day.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Civic
Fulton County held its Veterans Day ceremony outside the Fulton County Courthouse in Rochester on Wednesday, November 11. The event featured speakers, a student essay reading, a national anthem performance and a gun salute by the Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard.
Why it matters
The ceremony recognized the service of local veterans and marked the anniversary of the November 11, 1918 armistice that led to Veterans Day. Community observances like this one keep the holiday's local connections visible to residents of Rochester and Fulton County.
The ceremony featured a gun salute timed to the 11 a.m. courthouse clock chime and a remark by pastor David Rich, who served 11 years in the U.S. Army from 2010 to 2021. Attendance at the event was not reported.
The players
VFW Post 1343
A Rochester chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars that co-hosted the ceremony and is part of the national veterans' service organization.
American Legion Post 36
A Rochester post of The American Legion, the national veterans' organization, that co-hosted the ceremony.
Rochester Mayor Trent Odell
The mayor of Rochester, who spoke at the county's Veterans Day observance.
The details
VFW Post 1343 and American Legion Post 36 of Rochester hosted the ceremony, with VFW Post 1343 Commander Kurt Nichols giving the welcome and Pastor David Rich, the post's chaplain, offering the invocation. Erika Yates performed the national anthem, Rochester High School student Jane Gottschalk read her award-winning VFW Voice of Democracy essay, and Rochester Mayor Trent Odell spoke, referencing the anthem's origins at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Md.
Timeline
November 11, 1918: The armistice was signed, leading to the establishment of Veterans Day.
2010 to 2021: David Rich served in the United States Army.
Wednesday, November 11: The Fulton County Veterans Day ceremony was held outside the courthouse in Rochester.
Season Trajectory
The November 11 observance traces directly to the 1918 armistice that ended World War I fighting. Local ceremonies like Rochester's continue that annual commemoration each year.
Residents who want to attend future local observances can follow VFW Post 1343 and American Legion Post 36 of Rochester, the groups that organized this ceremony. The event was open to the public outside the Fulton County Courthouse.
The takeaway
Local Veterans Day ceremonies bring together veterans' organizations, students and civic leaders to mark a single shared date. Attending a community observance is a simple way to recognize service in your own town.
Further reading
For more local community coverage, see Civic news in Rochester.
Source note: This article includes information reported by InkFreeNews.
