Veterans Day is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world.

Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German Signing of the Armistice.

Veterans Day is a high priority day in Pike County as local veterans’ organizations sponsor programs that honor America’s veterans past and present.

There will be two local services at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month at Troy Bicentennial Park and Elam Baptist Church in Elamville.

The Veterans Day program at Bicentennial Park will be sponsored by American Legion Post 70 and the Post Auxiliary in Troy.

The featured speaker for this year’s program will be SFC Robert Grubb, USA ret. who is the new Veterans Affairs service officer for Coffee County.

“Special music will be presented by Phil Kelly and ‘Taps’ will be played by “Doc” Kirby and Michael O’Hara,” said Bob McLendon, Post Commander. “Also on the program will be Rev. Luke Lane pastor of First Baptist Church of Troy.”

The colors will be posted by the JROTC at Charles Henderson High School and the placing of the memorial wreath honoring all deceased veterans will be by Katie Hale, Auxiliary president and Tom Hale USMC retired. Charlie’s Angels will provide military honors.

“This year we are going to release balloons in honor of past veterans and the men and women who are serving today,” said Faye Pittman, Auxiliary member.

VFW Post 7055 will conduct a Veteran’s Day program at the 11th hour at Elam Baptist Church cemetery in Elamville.

The featured speaker will be Col. Lawrence Bowden, USA ret. and special music will be by Lenny Trawick.

There are nearly 60 veterans’ graves dating back to the Civil War in the cemetery.

Following the ceremony, there will be a covered dish lunch. Everyone is invited to bring a dish to share and stay for lunch.