Events planned on the Palouse for Veterans Day

COLFAX - With Veterans Day next weekend, Saturday, Nov. 11, several programs are happening across Whitman County this upcoming week to honor the men and women who have fought for freedom.

Colfax will host an assembly to commemorate veterans on Monday, Nov. 6, at 9 a.m. at the Colfax Junior/Senior High School Auditorium, 1110 North Morton Street.

GARFIELD

Garfield is set to honor veterans on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 9:30 a.m. in the Garfield-Palouse Middle School Gymnasium, 810 North Third Street.

Coordinator Rebecca Hemphill said the event brings in people from Moscow, Lewiston, Spokane, Oakesdale, Palouse, Colfax and Steptoe.

"We've had as many as 62 veterans attend the assembly," Hemphill said, noting that the assembly is for the veterans and a time to validate them for all they've done. "I think that makes our event extraordinary," she said.

Hemphill said that the theme, "This is the land of the free because you gave so unselfishly," is the single most crucial part, "they have given us that, and we will endeavor to protect it," she said.

At the assembly, the Garfeld-Palouse High School Ensemble will perform the Star-Spangled Banner, followed by elementary singers performing "Land of the Free" and the high school wind ensemble's rendition of the "Armed Forces Medley."

The Veterans Day student winner will be announced, and Jim Swoboda will perform "God Bless the USA."

Garfield's special keynote speaker for this year's assembly is Retired Army Sergeant Buddy Carter, and a veterans and guest reception will follow after the assembly in the gymnasium.

TEKOA

The Tekoa High School is hosting a coffee and pastries breakfast for veterans in the high school multi-purpose room on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 8:30 a.m., followed by an all-district-wide assembly featuring veterans at 9:15 a.m. in the high school gym, 513 Henkle Street.

Principal Yolanda Bone said that the art class students were putting up a display on Tuesday, Oct. 31, that will be displayed during coffee and pastries in the multi-purpose room.

STEPTOE

Steptoe School invites the public to attend a celebration of veterans on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 10:30 a.m., at the school, 12 Tennessee Street.

Fourteen veterans will be presented with a quilt of valor.

ROSALIA

The Rosalia Veterans Park is hosting its annual Veterans Day Program on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. in the Veterans Memorial Park, located behind the Texaco Station Visitor Center on Whitman Avenue.