Monday (Nov. 11) is Veterans Day, a day set aside to pay respect to those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. Several organizations around the county have events planned over the weekend and into next week to observe the holiday. Here is a list:
Friday, Nov. 8
Meal for veterans, 5 p.m., C.I.A., 13468 Hwy. JJ, south of Festus. Free chicken fried steak or pork and dressing dinners with dessert for veterans; others $4. Call 314-703-4006.
Arnold Veterans Day parade, 11 a.m., starts at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2211 Tenbrook Road, and goes to the Fox schools campus, 751 Jeffco Blvd. Call 636-296-1212.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Grand Veterans Day Parade, begins at 10 a.m. on De Soto Main Street; followed by free lunch and program for veterans and families at De Soto KC; speaker Grace Link, executive director of Missouri Veterans Commission. Sponsors: De Soto Community Foundation, De Soto Chamber of Commerce and other groups.
Sunday, Nov. 10
Veterans Day parade and ceremony, parade starts 2 p.m. from Senn-Thomas Middle School to Herculaneum City Park, followed by ceremony at 3 p.m. at the park. Numbered flags given out along parade route for prize drawing at ceremony, which include speakers, flag presentation, patriotic music, patriotic readings, veterans recognitions, parade awards. Appreciation dinner follows at Herculaneum Amvets, 690 Joachim Ave. For all veterans, regardless of whether they live in the city. Parade entries, information: 636-475-4447 or 314-852-4964.
Monday, Nov. 11
Veterans Day service, 11 a.m., Festus American Legion, 849 American Legion Drive. Lunch follows service. Flag retirement and flag raising 9 a.m. at Mercy Hospital Jefferson, 1400 Hwy. 61, Crystal City. Call 636-937-3000.
Veterans Day service, 1 p.m., De Soto Amvets, Hwy. 21 and Amvets Drive. Reading of flags in field of glory, music by De Soto High band, refreshments.
Home presentation, 10 a.m., 3300 Meadowfield Drive, Arnold. Free. Refreshments after ceremony. Freedom Alliance and U.S. Bank to present home to military veteran Todd O’Neal and his family. Refreshments served. RSVP: Dee Wilgenbusch, 703-444-7940 or dee.wilgenbusch@freedomalliance.org.
Veterans Day program, 10 a.m., Mount Zion Cemetery, 11695 County Road CC, Festus. Speaker: Retired Army Lt. Col. Gary Alexander of Small Business Administration; benediction by the Rev. Ralph Neal.
Tuesday, Nov. 12
Veterans dinner, 6 p.m., Joachim Masonic Lodge, 10798 Hwy. 21, Hillsboro. Free for veterans and guest. Program starts 7 p.m. RSVPs: Ken, 636-346-5046.