Pike Countians will have four opportunities to honor America’s veterans on Friday the 11th day of the 11th month of the 11th year. Veterans Day programs will be presented at 8 a.m. at the Colley Senior Complex in Troy, at 9 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial at the Tupper Lightfoot Memorial Library in Brundidge and at 11th hour services at Bicentennial Park in Troy and Elam Cemetery at Elamville.

The Colley Senior Complex will host its 12th annual Veterans Breakfast Friday morning with registration beginning at 7 a.m. and breakfast served at 8 a.m.

Janet Motes, Complex director, said no RSVPs are required.

“Just show up,” Motes said. “That’s all our veterans have to do. We always have enough and usually have more than enough. When we do have more food than is eaten, we share it with the veterans’ group home here in Troy.”

Charlie’s Angels will post the colors and Col. (retired) Lawrence Bowden will be the featured speaker for the breakfast. Shelia Jackson will present several patriotic vocal selections.

“We are looking forward to an inspiring program and to hearing from some of our veterans,” Motes said. “The Veterans Breakfast is my favorite event because we get to honor those who have made so many sacrifices for all of us.”

Veterans of all wars are invited and Motes said hopes are to have a large group of World War II veterans who are such great patriots.

“Our World War II veterans are decreasing in number and we want to especially honor them, along with our veterans from the Korean War and Vietnam,” Motes sad. “We would like to have more veterans from the Gulf wars, Iraq and Afghanistan. The 900th Maintenance Company in Brundidge recently returned from Afghanistan and we hope to have some of them join us.”

VFW Post 7055 in Brundidge will lay a wreath and hold a short prayer service at the Veterans Memorial at the city’s public library at 9 a.m. Freddie Turner, Post quartermaster, said the public is invited to attend the city’s tribute to all veterans.

At 11 a.m., American Legion Post 70 in Troy will host the annual Veterans Day program at Bicentennial Park.

Post Commander Bob McLendon said the Col. (retired) Lawrence Bowden will be the featured speaker and the Troy University Music Department will provide the patriotic music.

“The Post 70 Ladies Auxiliary will place the memorial wreath at the Veterans’ Memorial as a part of the Veterans Day program,” McLendon said. “The Ladies Auxiliary will also add names to the Veterans Memorial Monument prior to the program.”

Gold Star Mothers will also be recognized.

McLendon said everyone is invited to participate in this special recognition of the nation’s veterans.

“Veterans Day is set aside to recognize and honor all veterans,” McLendon said. “It’s different from Memorial Day that is designated to remember veterans to died in wars. This is a special day for our veterans and we hope that everyone will come out to show appreciation to them for their service.”

Also at 11 a.m., VFW Post 7055 will host a Veterans Day program at Elam Cemetery at Elamville. United States Rep. Martha Roby will be the guest speaker.

“We are honored to have Rep. Roby with us and we’re looking forward to her presentation as we honor our veterans,” Turner said. “Henry Middlebrooks, who is commander of VFW Post 7055, recently returned from Afghanistan and he will say a few words and we’ll have special music and prayer.”

Turner said the service will be dedicated to the late Joe Martin.

“We lost Joe recently and want to, especially, remember him on this Veterans Day,” Turner said. “It will be a very meaningful service. Everyone is invited to join us.”