Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, and for veterans this day has a very deep personal significance. 

This is true for almost all Americans. It is a day set aside each year to honor our veterans and remember that our freedom was earned and can only be maintained at a price. For many this price was and is the ultimate sacrifice of our service men and women’s lives, separation from our families and at many other costs.  We believe this cost is worth the price and the effort in maintaining our freedoms.

Locally, the Veteran’s Day activities in Lebanon and other portions of Wilson County will feature services, parades and ceremonies. Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jim D. Henderson, coordinator of the Lebanon Veteran’s Day observation, said, “In Lebanon, the annual parade will begin at 10:15 a.m. at the corner of Hatton Avenue and West Main Street, in front of the Lebanon-Wilson County Library. It will proceed up West Main to the Square, go up East Main Street and end at the Wilson County Courthouse where the ceremony will begin at 11 a.m, jointly sponsored by the City of Lebanon and American Legion Post 15.”

All veterans are urged to attend as are all who support them. Special transportation, both to and from the parade site, will be provided for veterans who do not want to march in the parade.

Grand Marshal this year is Petty Officer First Class James Rye (Jimmy) Jewell Sr., a Navy veteran of World War II. SSG Mason Alkire, U.S. Army Special Forces, will be the guest speaker.

This year’s observance will also be marked by the unveiling of a new name on the war monument of Afghanistan War casualty, SPC Jonathon C. O’Neill from Watertown.   O’Neill, a member of the U.S. Army, was killed in action this year.

Participation in the event will feature Gold Star Mothers, veteran’s organizations, bands, color guards, JROTC units, emergency agencies, student organizations, elected officials and 21-gun salute. Singing sensation, 11 year old Courtney “CoCo” Jones, will sing the “Star Spangled Banner,” and John Baugh will lead World War II aircraft in the “Missing Man” formation.

“Come to the parade and stay for the ceremony remembering and honoring our veterans,” Henderson noted. Afterwards, free hotdogs and soft drinks will be served, by Post 15 to all.