PICKENS — Member of the American Legion Pickens Post 11 are preparing to honor their fellow veterans in a variety of ways on Veterans Day.

Post 11 members will participate in a number of activities at local schools on Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Legion members will participate in events at Pickens Middle School at 9 a.m., Six Mile Elementary at 9:30 a.m., Pickens High School at 11 a.m. and Ambler Elementary School at 1 p.m.

“We hope that all citizens will observe Veterans Day by honoring the men and women who have served their country in uniform,” said Post Commander Pete Peters. “Today, America remains a beacon to the world in large part because of its veterans.”

The Post Everlasting ceremony, an annual event sponsored by the Legion, Hillcrest Cemetery and Dillard Funeral Home, has been moved to the Saturday following Veterans Day in order to enable more of the community to attend.

That ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. at the Chapel at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens.

During the ceremony, the names of all Pickens County resident armed service members who have passed away during the previous year will be read aloud.

If you know of an armed service member that has departed to Post Everlasting at any other time, you may submit his or her name to be added to the Post Everlasting list.

Send a letter or note to American Legion Post 11, Post Everlasting Ceremony, 185 Hagood Street, Pickens, SC, 29671.

Please give the Legion the service member’s full name and branch of service.

Deadline for submission is Nov. 10, 2009.

Legion members extend an invitation to the community to attend the ceremony and help them ensure that our veterans receive the honor that they deserve.

The Pickens High School ROTC and band will also participate in the Post Everlasting Ceremony.

Refreshments will be served afterwards.

The American Legion was formed by veterans after World War I to promote American ideals and to ensure that the families of their fallen comrades would be cared for.

Today, the American Legion continues to fight for health and education benefits for this nation’s veterans. The Legion also sponsors programs that benefit America’s youth, such as American Legion Boy’s State, American Legion Baseball, the National High School Oratorical Contest and Scouting programs.

“The American Legion, in accordance with its motto, is ‘Still Serving America’,” Peters said. “We are involved in making a difference around the nation and right here in Pickens. We’re proud to be a part of this community.”

For more information about the Post Everlasting ceremony, contact Zone One Commander Phil Cournoyer at 898-1611 or District Six Commander Doug Finney at 898-3323.