Upcoming opportunities to celebrate Veterans Day and to honor local veterans abound in our area. The problem will be choosing which one to attend!

The Fountain Inn celebration will take place at the Activities Center Gym, 610 Fairview Street, on Friday November 10, 2023, at 11:00 am. The Upstate Senior Band will present patriotic selections throughout the program. Speakers include Fountain Inn Mayor GP McLeer; Jim Jarvis, the Legion Department Commander; and Mark Willis, South Carolina State Representative from District 16. The

Upstate SC Quilts of Valor also plans to present Quilts of Valor during the ceremony. Afterwards, attendees may attend a free BBQ lunch with dessert provided by Rich’s Bakery.

On Saturday November 11, 2023, at 11:00 am, the City of Mauldin will host its Veterans Day ceremony at the outdoors Veterans War Memorial on the campus of the Cultural Center on East Butler Road. Kati Lippman will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Terry Merritt, Mayor of Mauldin, and a veteran himself, plans to present the keynote speech. At the event, Ken Hinkle will present Quilts of Valor to four recipients. American Legion Post 271 will post and retire the colors, and Scott McCrary will play taps.

The City of Simpsonville will hold its Veterans Day ceremony on Friday November 10, 2023, at 11:00 am in the Simpsonville Arts Center, 110 Academy Street.

Simpsonville Mayor Paul Shewmaker will serve as Master of Ceremonies. At the event, Alan Kan will thank veterans for their role as he recounts how soldiers liberated his father, a holocaust survivor, from a concentration camp in 1945.

The Upstate Men’s Choir under the direction of Loren Pinkerman and accompanied by Judy Pearson will present a musical program with a stirring narration read by Melissa Fountain Inn Museum Military Exhibit Sturgis. Songs will include “A Tribute to the Armed Forces,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with guest soprano soloist Carol Strausser, and “God Bless America” plus a host of other beloved pieces. Afterwards, participants can gather at VFW Post 1845, 119 Hedge Street for free refreshments and a time of fellowship.■