A number of events are planned to mark Veterans Day. Though officially celebrated on Nov. 11 each year, many observances will be held before the Wednesday holiday. Here is a sampling:
SCHOOL, COMMUNITY EVENTS
>> The Papillion-La Vista School District will have a military family appreciation festival and lunch today. This free festival will feature a magic show, face painting, clowns, karaoke and other carnival activities. The event will last from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Papillion-La Vista South High School.
>>A Ralston High School assembly Monday at 10:45 a.m. will be a tribute to Veterans Day with guest speaker Marine Maj. Sean Quinlan, who earned the Bronze Medal with valor while serving in Iraq in 2006 and 2007. A representative from each branch of service will be honored, and all Ralston students entering military upon graduation will receive a plaque.
>> A Veterans Day celebration will be held Wednesday at Metropolitan Community College’s South Campus, 2709 Edward “Babe” Gomez Ave., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
>> A Veterans Day service at 11 a.m. Wednesday in front of Ralston City Hall, 77th and Main Streets, will be led by Ralston American Legion Post 373. A representative from U.S. Strategic Command will be the guest speaker. Coffee and doughnuts will be served at the post, 7400 Q St., following the service.
SPECIAL PERKS
>> Breakfast will be free for all veterans Wednesday at area Hy-Vee Supermarkets. The Brownell Talbot Lower School Chorus (students in grades three and four) will sing for veterans at several area Hy-Vees.
>> All veterans and active duty military personnel are invited to have a free lunch or dinner at Applebee’s restaurants Wednesday. The invitation is good for all U.S. veterans and active duty military with proof of current or former military service.
>> National parks and other public recreation area fees will be waived Wednesday to honor veterans. Areas include any public recreation lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation.
POLITICAL APPEARANCES
>> Vice Adm. Carl Mauney, deputy commander of the U.S. Strategic Command, will give the keynote speech Wednesday at the Veterans Day celebration at Omaha’s Memorial Park. The event will begin at 11 a.m. Also scheduled to speak: Gov. Dave Heineman, Rep. Lee Terry, Sen. Ben Nelson, a representative of Sen. Mike Johanns and Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle.
>> Sen. Mike Johanns will visit the Grand Island Veterans Home Wednesday between 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Then from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., he will be at the College Park Auditorium, also in Grand Island, for a coffee social with the public.
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