Veterans from throughout Chattooga County are invited to attend the annual Veterans Day Lunch on Wednesday, November 11, at the Chattooga County Memorial Home, located at 818 Memorial Drive in Summerville.

The event will begin with a brief program at noon, followed by lunch. All veterans and their families are encouraged to attend.

Organizers say there will be plenty of time for veterans to enjoy food, visit with one another and share memories of their military service.

The annual gathering is sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6688 and Auxiliary, United Community Bank, Tractor Supply and numerous community volunteers.

Local veteran supporters began the tradition almost 20 years ago to provide a program honoring World War II veterans. The World War II Veterans Reunion was held at the Gore Gym for several years, with Jim Hunter and Harold Gordon holding a fish fry for the meal and volunteers providing desserts. School students assisted with the event and conducted interviews with veterans.

Later, sponsors agreed that the Veterans Day Lunch should include all veterans. The event was originally held around D-Day, June 6, and Pearl Harbor Day, December 7. However, as fewer World War II veterans remained in Chattooga County, the gathering was moved to Veterans Day.

For several years, the lunch was held at the Civic Center or Courthouse before moving to the Memorial Home, which organizers considered an appropriate location because of the involvement of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

Local volunteers continue to organize the program and provide food, helping preserve a tradition that recognizes the service and sacrifices of veterans and their families.

Anyone interested in volunteering, contributing food or supporting the event may contact Barbara Reed at 706-857-8478 or Odell Anderson at 706-397-2394.