ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Upper Peninsula paused Thursday to honor one of its veterans at the UP State Fair.
As part of “Honoring Citizens Day,” veterans from across the region gathered to celebrate the Upper Peninsula UP Veteran of the Year, Ray Carlson of Marquette.
Families and community members gathered for the Michigan Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year ceremony in Escanaba.
Carlson was recognized for decades of service — both in uniform and in the community — embodying the values of duty, honor, and sacrifice.
“It’s humbling. When I first learned that I was getting the award, and then it sank in after a while, and I realized I know a lot of people who have received it before, some of them are friends of mine, and I’ve come to accept that, and I’m honored,” said Carlson.
Also in attendance were all four Upper Peninsula state representatives and UP state senators, along with Congressman Bergman and Lt. Governor Garland Gilchrist.
