There’s been plenty of fall and Halloween fun to be had lately – with days full of treats, pumpkins, carnival-style games, community togetherness and “haunted” fun. As October winds down, “the holidays” are upon us. But before we wrap up Halloween and dive into Thanksgiving and Christmas, an important observance is coming up that we want to make sure you don’t forget.

Make plans now to observe Veterans Day 2021.

Veterans Day falls Nov. 11 each year, and it is a day that has long been set aside to thank our heroes for their service and sacrifice. Franklin County boasts a strong commitment to patriotism, with a number of veterans and service members in our midst. This is the perfect time to rededicate ourselves to remembering and appreciating the efforts that have been made throughout the centuries to achieve and maintain our American freedoms we hold dear.

Growing out of what was initially observed as Armistice Day, Veterans Day was formally established in 1954 following World War II.

Oct. 8, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation” which states in part: “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.”

Let’s not forget the historic and patriotic significance of this one-day commemoration, “a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good,” as expressed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

To all veterans, we at the Franklin County Times salute and you and offer our gratitude. Thank you for our freedoms.

To the families of veterans, we also share our appreciation: thank you for your service.

Historical information taken from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, www.va.gov.