Community celebrations of Halloween and the fall season have dominated the past month – with days full of treats, carnival-style games, community togetherness and “haunted” fun – but an important observance is coming up in a week and a half that we want to make sure you don’t forget.

We’re giving you a little reminder – make plans now to observe Veterans Day 2019.

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 in our midst, and this is a perfect time to rededicate ourselves to remembering 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 its purpose is expressed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

If you’d like to celebrate with your community, consider attending the Veterans Day Parade in downtown Russellville at 2 p.m. Nov. 10.

The Russellville Veterans Day Parade will be hosted by American Legion Post 64. All veterans and others wishing to participate in the parade are asked to be at the A.W. Todd Center by 1:30 p.m. to find seats among the military vehicles and antique cars that will be available, provided by the police department and Antique Car Club.

This year’s parade will coincide with city, county and state bicentennial celebrations, with a number of people joining the parade in costume in honor of 200 years of history.

The parade will start on Jackson Avenue about 2 p.m., continue to the McIntosh House, then turn the corner and go up Washington Avenue to end back at the Todd Center, where the local VFW will host the Veterans Reception, presenting the Police Officer of the Year and Firefighter of the Year awards. Refreshments will be served for veterans and other attendees.

Schools, churches and other groups throughout the county will also be hosting their own special observances.

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.