The annual "Salute to Veterans" will be at 7 p.m. Friday at the Knox Ryals Pavilion in Brundidge.

Randy Ross, veterans affairs officer for Pike and Crenshaw counties, said all veterans are encouraged to attend.

"This is a time that we set aside to say thank you to our veterans for all that they do for us," Ross said. "We owe them a great debt of gratitude. The Salute to Veterans is just a small way that we have of telling our veterans how much we appreciate them and their families for their dedication to our country and the sacrifices they make for our country."

Ross said everyone is invited to come out and show support for the veterans of all wars and for their country.

"Some of our veterans have recently returned from active duty and others are still on active duty, both at home and abroad," he said. "The major conflict with Iraq is over, but we continue to have troops in Iraq and in other parts of the world. This is a time when patriotism should be running high. These men and women need and deserve our support and we hope that we'll have large crowd in Brundidge Friday night to honor our troops and our country."

The Salute to Veterans will include patriotic music, the placing of a memorial wreath at the Veterans Memorial and an inspiring speech by Charles Dunn, U.S. Army, retired.

The Salute will close with a candlelight ceremony.

"Each person in attendance will have an opportunity to light a candle in memory of a loved one who served his or her country or in honor of a loved one who has served or is serving," Ross said. "This is always a special part of the program and a very meaningful part."

In case of rain, Ross said the Salute to Veterans will be held at the "We Piddle Around Theater" on Main Street.

Everyone is invited to come early and enjoy light refreshments provided by Colonial Bank and the fellowship of friends and neighbors. Bleachers will be available for seating but there will be plenty of space for those who want to bring lawn chairs, Ross said.