CRESTVIEW — As Veterans Day approaches, area schools, civic and community organizations are planning events to honor residents who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
Events that have been announced include:
Crestview Exchange Club veterans flag display: Anyone can designate a flag to honor a certain veteran for the club's annual display, Nov. 9-23, at Crestview High School. For a $25 donation, a tag will be attached to a flag with the honoree's name, service information and the donor's name. Tags will be presented to donors after the display. Call 496-4842 for more details.
Southside Center ceremony: The 3- to 5-year-old pre-kindergarten Tiger Pups and school staffers will honor veterans 9:30 a.m. Nov. 8 at the school's black-topped play area. Veterans may attend, Principal Linda Dukes said. The Baker ROTC honor guard will present the flag.
Area school observances: Several Crestview area schools will also hold student-led observances honoring veterans Friday, including Riverside Elementary School, 9 a.m.; Davidson Middle School, 9 a.m.; Walker Elementary School, 9 a.m.; Northwood Elementary School, 1:30 p.m.; and Shoal River Middle School, 2 p.m.
Crestview Veterans Day Parade and memorial service: The American Legion Post 75 hosts the city's annual parade, 9 a.m. Nov. 11 on Main Street.An "11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" memorial ceremony is 11 a.m. at the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial at the corner of Courthouse Terrace and Main Street.
Laurel Hill School veterans celebration: Leadership Program students host their annual recognition of area veterans Nov. 12, beginning with an 8 a.m. coffee social in the school library. Veterans will proceed to the multi-purpose room; students can meet with them after a brief program. Veterans are encouraged to bring photos, medals and other items from their service years. Veterans planning to attend should call teacher Hazel Harper, 652-4111, prior to the event.
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Community, school events planned to honor area veterans