Service members, past & present, honored at annual Veterans Day Breakfast
Shoshone-Bannock Veterans post colors at the breakfast meal at Sho-Ban Jr./Sr. High School November 11.
By YVONNE WARJACK
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Before sunrise on November 11, community members, students, and veterans gathered at Shoshone-Bannock Jr./Sr. High School to honor all who served during the annual Veterans Day Breakfast — a long-standing tradition sponsored by the Osborne family for more than three decades.
The morning began at 7 a.m. with a sunrise blessing in the school cafeteria, led by Darrell Shay, USMS, and Ron Diaz who took care of the fire. The ceremony opened with a prayer and for the well-being of veterans, families, and the community. Rooted in Shoshone-Bannock tradition, the blessing gave thanks for health, food, and protection while calling for strength and unity among those gathered.
Sho-Ban USMC Veteran and elder Darrell Shay offers
the sunrise prayer.
By 7:30 a.m., attendees moved to the SBS Gymnasium for the Traditional 49 led by the Spring Creek Singers. The 49 songs, once sung before hunts and battles, have evolved into a cultural expression of respect and remembrance. Veterans and families joined in the songs that have been carried through generations.
At 8:15 a.m., the breakfast began in the cafeteria. Volunteers and family members served a hot meal of bacon, sausage, ham, Idaho potatoes, eggs, toast, pancakes, fresh fruit, milk, coffee, and juice. Veterans and families sat together to share stories and reconnect.
Sho-Ban U.S. Air Force Veteran Lionel Boyer.
Sponsors helped make the meal possible — Marvin Osborne donated bacon and sausage, Lamb Weston provided hash browns, and family members supplied eggs, pancakes, and condiments. Volunteers assisted with cooking, serving, and cleanup.
At 9 a.m., Veterans were invited to share their stories during an open-mic session. Some spoke about their service, while others listened. Veterans’ display tables lined the foyer, filled with photographs, uniforms, and memorabilia representing generations for military service from the community. Each display offered a glimpse into the personal histories of those who served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
A fire pit roars for the sunrise ceremony before the breakfast.
The Osborne family has organized the Veterans Day Breakfast for more than 35 years, beginning with elders who wanted to continue honoring their relatives who served in World War II. The event has grown into a community tradition that unites veterans, families, and youth each year. Marine Corps Veteran Claudeo Broncho, who served during the Vietnam era and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, assured the morning’s program flowed from ceremony to song to meal, keeping the schedule rooted in both military and cultural respect.
Sho-Ban USMC Veteran Claudeo Broncho.
By 10:30 a.m., cleanup began as families and volunteers packed away tables and chairs. Before closing, organizers expressed appreciation to Fort Hall Fire & EMS, Shoshone-Bannock Jr./Sr. High School, Spring Creek Singers, Fort Hall Veterans Association, and the Sho-Ban News for their continued support.
The Osborne family continues to teach younger generations how to organize the event, from cooking and serving to coordinating the blessing and music, ensuring the tradition will carry forward. Plans are already underway for next year’s breakfast, with the goal of recognizing additional veterans and strengthening family participation.
Members of the Osborne family prepare food, with assistance from Fort Hall Fire & EMS.
The Veterans Day Breakfast brought together generations in gratitude and remembrance. The annual gathering stands as a living tradition — a day of community, song, and shared respect for those who served.
