Veterans Day observed Wednesday

A national holiday, the Nov. 11 Veterans Day is a time for the nation to honor, remember and thank military personnel who served the United States, particularly military veterans.

According to www.timeanddate.com, “On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations came into effect. On Nov. 11, 1919, Armistice Day was commemorated for the first time (with), President Wilson (proclaiming) the day should be ‘filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.’”

Today, communities throughout the country mark the holiday with events such as parades and celebrations.

Locally, a CampV Veterans Day celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, at the American Freedom Museum, 1051 N. Houston St. in Bullard.

In Palestine, the local YMCA has planned a brunch in honor of veterans, slated from 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, at the 5500 Texas Loop 256 branch. The meal will be held outdoors, weather permitting. All veterans are invited to join, with rides provided by the YMCA if needed. To learn more, call 903-729-3139.

A cyber celebration, hosted by the Texas Veterans Land Board, begins at noon Wednesday on the agency's Facebook page. The keynote address will be offered by Retired Major General Albert Zapanta, who presently serves as the President of the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce.

Like their counterparts throughout the nation, local municipal offices, along with county offices, will be closed in observance of the Nov. 11 holiday, as will federal post offices and many banking institutions. The Cherokeean Herald office will remain open for business.

A display honoring fallen soldiers from four different wars is located at Rusk’s Heritage Center of Cherokee County museum, 208 S. Henderson St.

“I don't know of any other projects like this done by a county, and we're fortunate, because a lot of counties don't have a list like this,” said museum director Betty Marcontell, who described residents as those who “come from pioneer families who loved history and we want to see it stay alive – I've been wanting to do this since we first began the museum.”

Information gathered on each service member has been compiled as part of a slide show, as well shared as on the museum's Facebook page, “Heritage Center of Cherokee County, Texas,” as part of its “Never Forgotten” photo album. The album is updated each year on the anniversary date of a fallen hero's death.

The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, or by appointment, 903-714-8685.

Meanwhile, Boy Scout Troop 405 of Rusk is accepting old flags for a flag retirement ceremony. A drop-off box for old flags is set up at the Cherokeean office, 595 N. Main St. in Rusk, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.