Veterans Day events scheduled to honor those who served

ALBANY — Southwest Georgians looking to honor those who have served their country in the U.S. Armed Forces will have a number of ways to do so, with Veterans Day services on tap in recognition of the Nov. 11 holiday.

A Veterans Day celebration with food, entertainment and games is open to the community at the Veterans Park Amphitheater Saturday at noon. The event will feature speakers and musicians to honor those who have served.

Youth from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany as well as local Boy and Girl Scouts troops will recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

It’s sponsored by Albany American Legion Posts 512 and 30, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and the Marine Corps League. It will be held rain or shine, with the event moving to the Albany Civic Center’s Ballroom in the case of inclement weather.

“We’re looking forward to any veterans in the area, their spouses or widows to come,” said Velvet Poole, event supervisor for the Albany Recreation and Parks Department.

The American Legion Post 30 is hosting a free breakfast for veterans Friday at 8 a.m., with the traditional flag-raising prior to the meal. U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop Jr., D-Albany, will attend and give comments as will other speakers. The post is hosting another event at the Exchange Club at noon.

Post 30 will also be placing 250 American flags throughout the city. Placing the flags is one of the ways the post shows recognition for veterans. The same flags are seen on Memorial Day as well.

“We’re gonna cover Albany in red, white and blue,” Post 30 Cmdr. Dan Brewer said.