Veterans Day events kick off Friday in Jackson
JACKSON, Tenn. — Veterans Day is not until next week, but people across West Tennessee plan to celebrate starting Friday. Malesus Elementary will honor veterans Friday at a celebration. Up until two years ago, teacher Jennifer White planned the program with her father, an Air Force veteran, she says did four tours in Vietnam. “After he died, I still wanted to continue the legacy that he had,” she said. White said the celebration at Malesus started 14 years ago with about 10 veterans. Friday, she expects almost 100 veterans. “I don’t know where this country would be if it wasn’t for the men and women who give their lives daily,” White said. Saturday morning, the STAR Center will host its first Veteran‘s 5K/10K Race and Family Fun Fun at the LIFT Wellness Center. STAR Center President Dave Bratcher said proceeds fund scholarships for veterans served at the center. “Anytime we can get together as a community, good things happen,” Bratcher said. “I can’t think of a better reason to do that than to honor those men and women that have served.” Saturday at 1 p.m., organizers said the city‘s first veteran‘s parade kicks off at the Ballpark at Jackson. “Woodmen of the World is going to have over 2,000 flags to distribute along the parade route,” Rachel Vester with the Jackson-Madison County Emergency Management Agency said. Vester said Englewood Baptist Church will host a lunch at 11 a.m. Saturday for disabled veterans and Northside United Methodist Church will host a lunch at 11 a.m. Saturday for veteran widows and widowers. Back at Malesus, a flag that flew in Iraq hangs in the entryway. White said possible restructuring could mean this is their last year hosting the veteran‘s program at that school. “Wherever we go, it will be our mission to continue this program. It just may be in a different building,” she said. The program at Malesus kicks off at 1 p.m. Friday following an 11:30 a.m. lunch for veterans.
