Veterans across northeastern Minnesota were honored yesterday for their sacrifice and service to the nation.

But Veterans Day was shining a little brighter in Chisholm this year with the installation of new LED lighting at the Chisholm Veterans Memorial along Highway 169 at Minnesota Discovery Center.

"What we wanted to do was highlight all the different offerings at the memorial," said Glenn Jackola of Chisholm, a member of the Chisholm Veterans Memorial Association board. "The intent is to make each of the offerings more observable."

The memorial, which opened in 2002, features a jet airplane, tank, helicopter, anchor, bunker, and visitor seating. All of the military items on display have been donated. Materials from local businesses and in-kind work from veterans and others have also been donated.

"We have something from every branch of the military except for the Marine Corps," said Jackola, a Vietnam veteran. "We're still looking for something from the Marine Corps."

It's hoped that in the future, the Chisholm Veterans Memorial site can be used for special functions, said Jackola.

"We'd like to do something more there like having it as a place where military ceremonies could be held or having city band concerts there," said Jackola. "We'd like it to become kind of a focal point."

Members of the Chisholm American Legion hosted a Veterans Day program at Chisholm High School followed by a program at Heritage Manor Health Care Center in Chisholm.

Similar programs honoring veterans were held at schools across northeastern Minnesota.

Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board supported the lighting project at Chisholm Veterans Memorial with a Culture and Tourism grant.