Honoring our nation’s veterans

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Military veterans will be honored next week during several different ceremonies planned around the county that commemorate the national Nov. 11 Veterans Day holiday.

A bulk of the events are set for Monday, on Veterans Day itself, including those at:

ALTO ISD – The local school district will host its annual Veterans Day program, beginning 9:30 a.m. which honors members of the Marine Corps League Jacksonville Texas Det. # 1381 and their service. Several guests will address the gathering, with students scheduled to perform music. A lunch for veterans and their guests will follow. 

ALTO EDC – This year’s event – from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – features local dignitaries who will interact with the Chic-Fil-A Cow at the town’s four-way intersection, distributing giveaways while supplies last. Included is a drawing for a gift basket donated by Alto Health for All and other area sponsors. Veterans receive free sandwiches while supplies last, along with a complimentary coffee at Rise Up Coffee and military discounts at Jack’s Mule Barn, Vape-N-Smoke and Tractor Supply Company.

RUSK – An 11 a.m. ceremony is planned at the downtown square in Rusk, at the Veterans Memorial. Past ceremonies have included music, speakers, posting of the colors.

JACKSONVILLE – VFW Post 3984, located at 201 Memorial Dr. – will host a gathering for veterans and their families, with a gift of appreciation presented to veterans.

On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Marine Corps League and the Jacksonville Garden Club will host the fifth annual Veterans Celebration, with an 11:30 a.m. ceremony at Buckner Park in Jacksonville. Guest speakers include Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, Ret. U.S. Army veteran Jason Murray and city officials. MCL member will post colors, fire a rifle volley and play Taps, with music provided by Johnnie and Trisha Helm. A complimentary lunch will be provided afterward.