Veterans Day events on the Palouse

COLFAX— With Veterans Day approaching Monday, Nov. 11, Whitman County is taking the time to honor those who have served.

Closures across the county include the Whitman County Courthouse, commissioners will not hold their regular meeting and banks will be closed for the holiday.

All fourteen branches of the Whitman County Library will be closed.

In observance of the holiday, there will be no school and several schools will hold assemblies to commemorate the holiday.

Colfax Junior/Senior High School will hold a Veterans Day assembly to recognize and honor veterans service to the country at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, in the auditorium.

St. John-Endicott school district is hosting a Veterans Day assembly from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.

On Friday, Nov. 8, at 9 a.m. Rosalia School District is hosting a Veterans Day Assembly.

Rosalia is also hosting their annual Veterans Day program at 11 a.m., on Monday, Nov. 11, in the Veteran’s park, located behind the Texaco Visitors Station.

The program will feature speaker John Barringer, who served in the Army from 1958 to 1960 and was stationed in Darmstadt, Germany, as a combat engineer.

Clinton Tucker will give an invocation, with Bruce Henning and family playing taps and the rifle team from A&T Mattausch Post 11326 including members Richard Mattausch, John Loehne and Dan Hillman who will perform the three shot volley.

Rosalia Boy Scout Troop 558 with scout leader Justin Fuchs will present the Flag Ceremony and retire flags no longer able to fly.

The park is maintained by volunteers in memory of those who have served and given their lives.

At 10:30 a.m., on Friday, Nov. 8, at 10:30 a.m. the Steptoe school will host its Veterans Program honoring Veterans with Quilts of Valor.

The Garfield Middle School will host a Veterans Day Assembly at 9:30 a.m., on Friday, Nov. 8, honoring those that served and fought for the country in the Garfield Gymnasium.

The program includes the Palouse High School Band, the Elementary Singers and an introduction of veterans by Phil Weagraff.

The keynote speaker will be Captain Mike Bisbee and Sam Brink will sing “The Rugged Old Flag.”

Veterans and guests are invited for a reception after the assembly.

The chance to honor those who have served will also happen on Saturday, Oct. 9, with a Veterans Day Parade occurring in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley through the Veterans Council of Lewiston.

Plymouth Congregational Church in Colfax will be hosting a special Sunday patriotic service at 10 a.m., on Sunday, Nov. 10 with patriotic hymns and refreshments.

The history of the holiday dates back to November 1919 when President Wilson proclaimed that Nov. 11 would be the first Armistice Day saying, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those died in the country’s serve and with gratitude for the victory...”

WWI ended on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918 and so falls the date of remembrance for those who have fought and died for freedom.

Local nonprofit Ruck for the Fallen is commemorating this at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17 with the 11/11/11 Ruck.

Ruck for the Fallen Founder Sergeant Major Mitch Kriebel will be in attendance to ruck in honor of the fallen. The ruck will span 11 miles, 11 feet and 11 inches from Johnson starting at 8:30 a.m. to the new chosen site for the Whitman County Veteran Memorial Park, located in Pullman on Fairmont Road next to the cemetery.

Following the ruck there will be a buffet at 1 p.m. and time for a meet and greet, as well as donation for a Silent Auction to kick off raising money for the “Christmas Miracle for Heroes,” season in which the nonprofit sends gifts to soldiers overseas, at Zeppoz, 780 Southeast Bishop Boulevard, Pullman.

Those who want to honor veterans can buy a brick to support a veteran for the upcoming Pullman Veterans Memorial Park or donate to bring the successful development of the memorial park.

Those who donate significant amounts will be permanently recognized on-site at the veteran’s park by levels representing ranks of officers in the military. Star level is a $50,000 to $100,000 donation, Eagle level $25,000 to $49,999, Silver Oak Leaf $10,000 to $24,999, and Gold Oak Leaf $1,000 to $9,999.

Veterans who have questions about Veteran services can schedule an appointment to ask questions or get a call by going to https://va. My.site.com/VAVERA/s/.