(Lander, WY) – “Good morning Lander!” was local Veteran Wade Mitchell’s response when County 10 asked if he had anything he wanted readers to know about the American Legion Don Stough Post 33 and Lander VFW Post 954 & Auxiliary annual tradition of firing cannons on Veterans Day.
Each year, any Veterans and invited guests willing to brave the (10 degree) cold temperatures, ride around Lander and fire blank rounds from a Winchester mini cannon mounted on the back of a moving truck.
The tradition began decades ago, with Lander legends/Veterans Chuck Faulkner and Harvey Brannan cited as two of the folks responsible.
To honor their memory, cannons are fired in front of their Lander properties where they once resided, with the first, 5:00 AM shot still taking place in front of Brannan’s ranch.
So, why is such a loud tradition done at 5:00 AM?
The firing of the cannons coincides with the 7:00 AM firing at the Arlington National Cemetery ceremony.
This year, the crew included local Veteran Wade Mitchell, his wife Ann, longtime VFW employee/supporter Jennifer Campbell, and kiddos Ivy Campbell and Maddison Stachowski.
Last year, County 10 reporter and Coffee Time host Vince Tropea was invited to attend the event, and made sure to snap some photos and video, which can be seen below.
Thanks again to all of the Veterans in Fremont County and the nation on this 2022 Veterans Day, thank you for your service!