Veterans Day celebrations in Owen County

Owen County will join the rest of the nation in honoring its military veterans for their service on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Because it's also a federal holiday, the county courthouse and other government offices will be closed. There will be no U.S. Mail delivery, and many area banks will also be closed.

The day will begin with a free breakfast for all veterans, served from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Spencer American Legion Post #285, 154 S. Main St., Spencer.

In Gosport, a Veterans Day drive-thru parade is planned for 8:30 a.m. at Gosport Elementary School, 201 N. Ninth St. Veterans are encouraged to drive through the school's front parking lot to enjoy student-made posters and banners as the students cheer and salute you for your service. Veterans will also receive a free drive through breakfast. Reservations are not required but attendees are encouraged to call 812-879-4694 to enable organizers to know how many participants to expect.

Owen Valley High School's Air Force Junior ROTC will host a Veterans Day ceremony from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. at the school, 622 S.R. 46W, Spencer. All veterans and their families are invited to attend. RSVP to Lt. Col. Russell Callaway at rcallaway@socs.k12.in.us or 812-829-2266.

The Owen County Courthouse lawn will take center stage at 11 a.m. for the annual Veterans Day program, organized this year by the Spencer American Legion. A portion of the program will shine the spotlight on the "Spirit of the American Doughboy" statue on the northwest lawn. A rededication will be held, commemorating the recent restoration work on the statue and the renovation of the nearby area.

A free ham and beans dinner will follow the program at the Spencer VFW Post.

Later in the afternoon, a Veterans Day dinner will be offered from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Gosport VFW Post #7850, 159 E. Main St., Gosport. The Auxiliary will serve a variety of soups and sandwiches to honor veterans and their families. Come enjoy a meal and fellowship.

In Spencer, a free Veterans Day Dinner begins at 6 p.m. in the 4-H Building at the Owen County Fairgrounds, 364 S. East St., Spencer. There will be a short program presented by the 4-H Fishing Team. All veterans and their families are welcome to attend.