Today is Veterans Day, and the City of Summerville will honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces with its annual Veterans Day Parade, followed by a special gathering and meal for local veterans and their families.

The Veterans Day Parade will begin at 10 AM at Veterans Memorial at Dowdy Park, in downtown Summerville. All parade participants are asked to assemble at the park beginning at 9:30 AM.

The parade will travel from Veterans Memorial Park to Commerce Street before returning to the park. Golf carts and vehicles will be available for veterans who wish to participate in the parade but prefer not to walk the route.

The City of Summerville is encouraging residents to come out and show their appreciation for those who have served their country.

Following the parade, veterans and their families are invited to the annual Veterans Day Lunch at the Chattooga County Memorial Home, located at 818 Memorial Drive in Summerville. The gathering is scheduled to begin at 11:45 AM, with a brief program at noon followed by lunch.

This year’s Veterans Day Lunch is sponsored by VFW Post 6688 and its Auxiliary, United Community Bank, Tractor Supply and numerous community volunteers.

The annual meal has a history dating back nearly 20 years, when local residents began organizing a special gathering to honor Chattooga County’s World War II veterans.

The original World War II Veterans Reunion was held at the Gore Gym, where Jim Hunter and Harold Gordon prepared a fish fry, volunteers provided desserts, and local school students helped with the program and interviewed veterans about their experiences.

Over the years, the event expanded to recognize veterans from all branches of the military and all generations. The annual gathering has been held at several locations, including the Civic Center and Chattooga County Courthouse, before moving to its current home at the Chattooga County Memorial Home.

Organizers say the tradition remains especially meaningful as the community remembers its World War II veterans and continues recognizing those who served in later conflicts and during peacetime.

The annual lunch provides an opportunity for veterans to visit with friends, share memories of their military service and enjoy fellowship with others who have served their country.

Anyone interested in additional information about the Veterans Day Lunch may contact Barbara Reece at 706-857-8478 or Odell Anderson at 706-397-2394.

Veterans Day is observed each year on November 11 to recognize all Americans who have served in the nation’s armed forces.

Today’s weather is expected to cooperate with the outdoor activities, with sunshine and an afternoon high near 71 degrees.

The City of Summerville encourages the community to attend today’s parade and help honor the service and sacrifices of America’s military veterans.