LOXLEY, Alabama — Municipalities and organizations in Central and North Baldwin will once again be honoring veterans beginning with a celebration for veterans and their families Friday, Nov. 2 at the Loxley Civic Center, hosted by the town of Loxley.
Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on Nov. 11, that honors all persons who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Veterans Day coincides with Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, an observance of the anniversary of the end of World War I in which major hostilities were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.
In the United States, Armistice Day was officially renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all U.S. military veterans. Memorial Day, which is observed the last Monday in May each year, honors U.S military veterans who died while in military service, while Armed Forces Day, also observed each year in May, honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.
The town of Loxley will honor veterans from all military conflicts in all branches of service with a pot-luck meal, followed by a short program, beginning with a Parade of Flags with a veteran presenting the flag for each branch of service with that branch’s signature song.

Veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Granada, the Persian Gulf, UN Peacekeeper veterans (Bosnia, Serbia, Somalia, Middle East); Iraq/Afghanistan and Cold War veterans will be honored, along with wives and widows of veterans.
Taps will be played in honor of all fallen heroes and door prizes from local businesses will be presented. Music for the evening was presented by the City Rhythm Big Band.
The town of Loxley will also hold a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10 for its Veterans Memorial, which is located on Alabama 59 in front of the Loxley Municipal Park.

Robertsdale

The George P. Thames Senior Center will present a program to honor veterans beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7 at the PZK Hall, 17833 Alabama 104, Robertsdale.
Veterans of all branches of military service will be honored, followed by lunch.
For more information call the senior center at 251-947-8973.

Bay Minette

The City of Bay Minette will host a Veterans Day Program on Monday, Nov. 12 beginning with breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Bay Minette Civic Center.
A Veteran’s Day Parade will be held beginning at 10:15 a.m., parade assembles at 9:30 a.m. at BMES.
A ceremony will be held at The Eternal Flame on Courthouse Square, beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Korean War Memorial Ceremony at 11 at the Bay Minette Public Library.
All branches of military service will be honored. For more information call 251-937-5665.

Silverhill
A program to honor veterans will be held beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10 at the Silverhill Veterans Memorial, located in Anderson Park on Main Street (Alabama 104), across from Town Hall.
Program will include two guest speakers, recognition of all veterans, recognition of fallen soldiers, and live bugle music.
Raffle tickets will also be available, along with other items to raise money for two polished granite memorials to be placed on either side of the larger memorial, which will include names of all local veterans who served.
Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.

Several area schools also hold Veterans Day programs every year. Check with your local school for day and times.