Our community supports military service. With Fort Benning here, the economic, educational and social impacts of military service members and their families are large. Fort Benning’s location also results in a large veteran community residing locally.
However, our area has not had a Veterans Day parade in many years — not in my memory anyway. This year will mark the initiation of a Veterans Appreciation Week that will conclude with a Veterans Day Parade.
Veterans Day began as a celebration of Armistice Day, the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. Now we celebrate the service of veterans of all wars, not just the veterans from World War I.
About a year ago, Sam Nelson was at an American Legion post meeting where he said city councilor Pop Barnes remarked that the city needed a Veterans Day parade. That conversation resulted in Sam and his wife, Sallie, leading a group of dedicated people in organizing this year’s celebration.
When I met with the Nelsons, they credited Barnes, a veteran himself, and others with providing critical help and encouragement as they have moved forward. Sam and Sallie provided the information that follows.
This veterans’ coalition has requested local churches begin the week by recognizing veterans at their Sunday worship services on Nov. 8.
Also on Nov. 8, the House of Heroes will hold a reception at the Hardaway High School auditorium from 2 to 4 p.m. to recognize people they have helped and their volunteers. The public is invited.
The mayors of Columbus, Phenix City and Smiths Station will issue proclamations concerning Veterans Appreciation Week on Nov. 9. The winner of a high school essay contest also will be announced that day. This essay contest requires students who participate to interview a veteran and tell the veteran’s story. The Muscogee County School District is helping ensure that this will be a success.
Planned activities on Nov. 10 and Nov. 12 include veterans visiting participating elementary schools. On Nov. 11, veterans will visit selected nursing homes in order to honor veterans who reside there. American Legion Post 267 plans a breakfast and program for all veterans starting at 9:30 a.m. on that day.
The veterans’ coalition plans to honor veterans who have lost their eyesight on Nov. 13. Another tribute to veterans in general will be that the flags maintained by the Gold Star Wives will be displayed on Victory Drive Nov. 7-21.
The week will culminate with a parade and Air Force flyover on Nov. 14. The parade will follow the same route as the Christmas parade. This week promises to be quite a celebration. If you would like to help plan next year’s events, call Sam and Sallie Nelson at 706-568-4592.
John M. House is a retired Army colonel who lives in Midland. His e-mail is housearmylife@aol.com.
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