It’s the 11th day of the 11th month commemorated every year — Veterans Day. The day is set aside to honor members of the armed forces.

    It began as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, which is still celebrated in many other parts of the world; it marks the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I. It was President Woodrow Wilson who first proclaimed the holiday in America on Nov. 11, 1919:

    “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

    Throughout Southeast Idaho there will be several events commemorating this special day. Included will be the following:

    On Sunday, Nov. 11, member organizations of the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Association will conduct a Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Building, 300 N. Johnson Ave., Pocatello. The ceremony is being planned, coordinated and directed by the Pocatello Chapter No. 888, Noncommissioned Officers Association and Gate City Auxiliary, Noncommissioned Officers Association, with members from other veteran organizations.

    Coffee, doughnuts and juice will be available in the building at 10 a.m., the ceremony will be outside at 10:30 a.m., with invocation by Pocatello Chapter Chaplain Bruce Corbridge, followed by a brief presentation on the history of Veterans Day by Chapter Chairman Larry Hebdon. There will be presentations by speakers from Firth High School, raising the flag, two minutes of silent reflection and benediction by Corbridge. A light lunch will be served inside after the ceremony. All those attending are welcome to stay for the free lunch and socialize afterward.

    The public is invited to attend a special Veterans Day ceremony that will be held at the Idaho Veterans Home in Pocatello on Sunday, Nov. 11, beginning at 2:30 p.m. The Pocatello Veterans Home is located at 1957 Alvin Ricken Drive. The ceremony will feature the presentation of the Spirit of Freedom Award by Farhana Hibbert, Regional Director for Sen. Mike Crapo. Crapo gives the Spirit of Freedom Awards each year to veterans and volunteers in recognition of their service.

    In addition, David Brasuell, administrator of the Idaho State Division of Veterans Services will present the Korean War 60th Anniversary Certificate of Appreciation.

    Speakers include Joshua Thompson, administrator of the Pocatello Veterans Home, David Brasuell, division administrator, and Kermit Morrison, president of the Idaho Veterans Assistance League East.

    On Monday, Nov. 12, Firth High School would like to invite all military veterans from the area, their families and friends to their Veterans Day program at 10 a.m. in the gym. They will have a lunch served for the veterans afterwards. The program includes an orchestra and a pipes and drum corps along with Rob Morris, a local educator who has written numerous books on military history and veterans. Any questions, call Stew Portela at 351-3468.

    Please don’t forget to attend this year’s “Salute to Idaho Veterans,” to be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9, at the Farm Bureau building at 275 Tierra Vista Drive in Pocatello. The day’s events include a flag ceremony, posting of the colors, guest speaker U.S. Army Lt. Col. (Ret.) Reginald Reeves, a lunch and slide show, the 56th U.S. Army Band Brass Quintet, gift presentation, and complimentary photos. For more information, call Farm Bureau Insurance at 239-4361.     

    Pocatello Elks Lodge No. 674 will host a Veterans Appreciation dinner also on Nov. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Elks Lodge, 410 S. Main St., Pocatello. Veterans can select from the menu and for entertainment there will be karaoke later in the evening. Dinners are free to veterans and their spouses, others $4 to $7. Area vets should RSVP by calling 232-2400 after 4 p.m.

    Blackfoot Elks Lodge, 123 N. Ash St., Blackfoot, will host their fifth annual Veterans Dinner, Auction and Dance Nov. 9. Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m., cost of $10. The auction will be at 7:30 p.m., and dancing will commence right after the auction.         

    The goal is to raise money for iPads for veterans who have had a stroke so they can communicate with family and friends. Announcement of the Salmon River jet boat fishing trip scheduled for March, the winner will be drawn at the Nov. 9 event. For more information, call Lori Marvin at 680-0600 or 785-5674, or the Elks at 785-1080.

    Veterans Day dinner will be held Nov. 10 at 6 p.m., at the Legion Hall, 436 N. Fisher, Blackfoot. It is open to veterans and their guests. Donation is No. 10 can of non-perishable food. For more information, call 785-4970.

    The annual American Legion Post 59 veterans’ breakfast will be held Nov. 10 from 6 to 10 a.m., at the American Legion Hall, 130 S. Main St., Aberdeen. Donations are welcome at the door or you can bring a canned food item. The menu will be sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns, pancakes, coffee and juice. For more information, call Howard at 208-397-5237.

    The Marine Corps League Steven D. Merrell Detachment No. 698 in Pocatello invites the Marine Corps Family to celebrate the 237th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps on Nov. 10 at the Clarion Inn, 1399 Bench Road in Pocatello. All active-duty, reserve, former, or retired Marines and FMF Corpsmen are invited to attend. Bring your family and friends. If you are family of a current active duty or reserve Marine or FMF Corpsman, you’re invited, too!

    Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m. A short celebration program begins at 6:30 p.m. and is followed directly by dinner.

    Cost is $25 a ticket and includes dinner and a program. Col. David Brasuell (retired), currently the administrator of Idaho Veteran Services, will be the guest of honor. Current service-members and veterans are encouraged to wear Blue Dress “B” (ribbons and badges) or service equivalent. Civilians are encouraged to wear formal attire, but semi-formal is certainly encouraged if it helps you celebrate the birthday with us. More information is available at www.idahomarines.com.

   The Snake River New Horizons Band will present a Veterans Day performance at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Idaho State Veterans Home, 1957 Alvin Ricken Drive, Pocatello. The colors will be presented at the Veterans Home by the Civil Air Patrol. Along with the “Star Spangled Banner,” the music program will include the service songs for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. The program will also be presented at the Cottonwood Cove Retirement Center, 1052 W. Quinn Road, at 2 p.m.

    A little ways down the road in November, Bingham Memorial Hospital invites you to “Red, White and the Blue,” a regional veterans’ celebration and veterans of honor medal ceremony, which will be Nov. 17 from 4 to 10 p.m., at the Red Lion Hotel, 1555 Pocatello Creek Road. Silent auction is from 4 to 6 p.m., dinner will be served at 6 p.m. The veteran’s medal of honor awards will be at 7 p.m., with music and dancing with entertainment provided by Eaton and Sanders from 8 to 10 p.m.

    All funds raised go toward a two-year brain injury rescue and rehabilitation observation study using hyperbaric oxygen therapy. You or your group can pledge to donate $1,000 for a table of eight and honored veteran plus their guest at this celebration. For more information, call the Bingham Health Care Foundation at 208-785-3888.