EVENTS TO RECOGNIZE VETERANS

EVENTS TO RECOGNIZE VETERANS

A number of events will be taking place to recognize veterans and military personnel for Veterans Day. Events begin this week and continue into next week.

•Wilson Bank & Trust will host its annual luncheon at noon, today (Thursday, November 8), at the Carthage office located at 1300 Main Street North. All veterans are welcome and encouraged to bring pictures and artifacts. Senior non-commissioned officer Charlie Adams, retired U.S. Army, is the guest speaker.

•Smith County Bank is hosting its annual breakfast for veterans set for 8 a.m., Friday, November 9 at the chamber of commerce. •Gordonsville Elementary School’s fifth grade students are hosting a Veterans Day program beginning at 9 a.m., Friday, November 9. All veterans are invited. The program will take place in the gym.

•The annual Veterans Day parade and program will be held, Sunday, November 11.

•Smith County Middle School will be honoring all veterans during a Veterans Day ceremony at the school beginning at 9:45 a.m., Monday, November 12. All veterans are invited.

A closer look at Sunday’s Veterans Day parade and program: The parade takes place on Main Street in Carthage and the program is held on the square at the historic courthouse. This year’s guest speaker is Sherri Shackleford, a chief warrant officer on active duty and stationed in Nashville. Organizers say Shackleford will be able to provide a unique perspective as a female serving in the military. Shackleford will be available after the ceremony to answer questions about life in the military and as a career. Parade lineup begins at 2 p.m. with the parade starting at 2:30 p.m. Parade lineup is at Carmack and Main Street. The ceremony starts at 3 p.m. The ceremony includes welcome by Smith County Mayor Jeff Mason, invocation by American Legion Post 57 Chaplain Donnie Payne, presentation of colors by Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies, pledge of allegiance, guest speaker, remembrance, special presentation, placing of memorial wreath, taps and closing remarks.