FORT SCOTT, Kan. — Fort Scott National Cemetery will host its annual Veterans Day Memorial Service, “Lest We Forget,” on Wednesday, November 11, at 11 a.m. at the cemetery’s Rostrum.
The ceremony will honor the service and sacrifice of America’s military veterans and feature patriotic music, a wreath-laying ceremony, a Veterans Day address and military honors.
VFW Post Commander Jerry Shead will serve as master of ceremonies and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Jim Logan will deliver the Veterans Day address, while Carolyn Tucker will provide the invocation and benediction.
The Fort Scott Middle School Orchestra, under the direction of Carson Felt, will perform the National Anthem, military service songs and Taps.
Jennifer Jackman and Commander Shead will participate in the wreath-laying ceremony. The program will also recognize Gold Star Mothers and include remarks from Daughters of the American Revolution Kansas Regent Myra Jowers.
A combined honor guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion will conduct an honor volley.
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move to Memorial Hall, with accessible entry available on the north side of the building.
Following the service, a Veterans Day lunch will be served at VFW Post 1165, located at 1745 S. National Avenue. The meal will be available for a free-will donation.
As part of the day’s observance, the Avenue of Flags will be displayed beginning at 7 a.m. along East National Avenue and throughout Fort Scott National Cemetery. Members of VFW Post 1165 and community volunteers will lead the effort, with the flags scheduled to be taken down at 4 p.m. and stored for the winter.
The Avenue of Flags tradition began with veterans honoring those who served in World Wars I and II. It was continued by Korean and Vietnam War veterans and remains an annual tribute carried on by VFW Post 1165, its auxiliary, the Fort Scott Fire Department and community volunteers.
The annual Veterans Day service is supported by local VFW and American Legion organizations and provides an opportunity for the community to remember and honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
