Thanks, veterans

Nov. 11 is a day forever engraved in America's history. It is the day -- at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month -- in 1918 when fighting officially ceased and World War I ended. For some older veterans or their descendants, the day is better known as Armistice Day.

Now Nov. 11 is observed throughout the U.S. as Veterans Day, a special commemoration of the sacrifices veterans of every military branch have endured and the honor they have brought to themselves and to their country.

Several special events pay tribute to this area's veterans:

* On Thursday, Scott City High School had a Veterans Day ceremony.

* 9 a.m. today: Jackson High School salute to veterans.

* 10 a.m. today: Reception for veterans at Jackson High School.

* 5 p.m. today: Veterans Day parade in uptown Jackson.

* 6 p.m. today: Ceremony for veterans at New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson.

* 10 a.m. Saturday: Veterans Day parade in Cape Girardeau, on Broadway from the Southeast Missourian building west to Freedom Corner at Capaha Park, followed by appropriate ceremonies.

At each of these special events, veterans will be honored and remembered. Patriotic Americans will want to find time in their busy scheduled to attend these events and show the gratitude of a free nation to all veterans.

And if you are unable to attend a Veterans Day event, take the time to seek out veterans where you work, where you have coffee, where you shop, where you spend your leisure time. Call up any veterans you know.

Say "Thanks."