Day to honor all vets

West Texans looking to show their appreciation for past and current members of the military this Veterans Day will have multiple chances to attend one of the many events planned for Thursday and Friday in Odessa.

Starting at 11 a.m. Thursday, the Northside Senior Center will be holding their annual Veterans Day Luncheon, which will host lunch for the residents of the center, veterans and anyone else interested, Activity Coordinator Crystal Myers said.

The event will include guest speakers from the county, lunch and about 30 to 40 veterans present, Myers said. While the event is free, Myers said they are asking for a donation of at least $2 from each person.

Myers said the residents — many of whom are veterans — look forward to the event every year because it gives them recognition for their military service.

“It’s not much, but it means the world to them,” Meyers said.

Ector Junior High will also hold an event for veterans and their families as the school’s band choir will perform starting at 6 p.m. Thursday. The event will then open to the public at 7 p.m.

Friday will see two different ceremonies; the first being a flag raising at the Veterans of Foreign Post at 7:30 a.m. at 208 E. VFW Lane.

Aaron Evans with the VFW said after the flag raising, there will be a breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy free to those who attend.

“Donations are always welcome though,” Evans said.

At 11 a.m., the American Legion will host a ceremony at the north lawn of the Ector County Courthouse where a guest speaker will talk to the crowd and a Gold Star Mother will lay a wreath at the flagpole.

Residents of Big Spring who served and reside at the Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home will be presented with a certificate.

The event in Big Spring will also include a wreath-laying, the singing of the National Anthem and a medley of patriotic songs by the Big Spring Jr. Choir.

@OAgovernment

IF YOU GO

• What: Northside Senior Center Luncheon.
• Where: 1225 Adams Ave.
• When: 11 a.m. Thursday.
• Cost: Free, but asking for $2 donations.

• What: Ector Junior High Ceremony.
• Where: 809 W. Clements St.
• When: 6 p.m. Thursday for Veterans and their families. 7 p.m. for the public.
• Call: 456-0479.
• Cost: Free.

• What: Veteran of Foreign War Flag Raising and Breakfast.
• Where: 208 E. VFW Lane.
• When: 7:30 a.m. Friday.
• Cost: Free.

• What: American Legion Ceremony.
• Where: 300 N. Grant Ave.
• When: 11 a.m. Friday.
• Cost: Free.

• What: Veterans Day Service.
• Where: Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home, 1809 North Highway 87, Big Spring.
• When: 2 p.m. Friday.
• Call: 432-268-8387 for more details.