To recognize those who have served our nation, many schools and organizations—such as Poplarville Lower Elementary School, Poplarville Middle School and the American Legion in Picayune—are setting aside time on Veteran’s Day to celebrate our local men and women veterans.

At 9 a.m. on Friday, the Middle School of Poplarville will be holding a Veteran’s Day breakfast. All veterans and their spouses are invited to attend. Spouses and family members of fallen veterans are also encouraged to attend.

According to a release from the school, the theme of this year’s Veteran’s Day event is patriotism and liberty. This theme will be expressed as several teachers perform patriotic songs throughout the event.

The public is invited to come and sit down with these American heroes and share stories and thank them for their service to the country.

At 1 p.m. on Friday, Poplarville Lower Elementary will host its first Veteran’s Day event. Kindergarteners and first and second grade students will sing patriotic songs for participating veterans and guests to recognize their sacrifice. Also, the second grade choir “The Treble Makers” will sing the anthems of each branch of the armed forces.

“Veteran’s Day sometimes gets overwhelming and sometimes we focus on those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Those that did should be honored by the whole nation, but those that survived should get the same treatment and I want to provide that celebration for all our local heroes,” Poplarville Lower Elementary Principal Candace Henderson said.

After the performances, some second graders will read original writings—such as poems or short literature—that they wrote to show their gratitude.

Also, local police officers, firefighters and emergency personnel will be recognized for their sacrifices to the community.

“I have always challenged myself to go beyond words when showing kindness and respect to others and that is what Veteran’s Day is all about,” Henderson said. “I want to spread the love and gratitude we have for everyone that serves our country and I want the kids to understand that as well.”

At 10:30 a.m., a wreath presentation will be held in front of City Hall in Picayune, American Legion Commander Jimmy Frank Stockstill said. After the patriotic presentation, the American Legion invites everyone to attend a lunch ceremony at the Post 73 American Legion located on Union School Road in Picayune at 11:30 a.m.

“We are all proud to be American and this day exemplifies that,” Stockstill said. “We want to recognize all those that have protected our freedoms. That is what we stand for here at the American Legion. This is just our way of thanking all the veterans in the community.”

Stockstill said the only thing participants need to bring is “an appetite” because they will be serving an abundance of food.

Attendance to each of these events is free of charge.