This day after election day, we want to focus on anotherimportant day — Veteran’s Day, which is Saturday, Nov. 11. And, wethank some folks for helping us do so — the Brookhaven ExchangeClub and West Lincoln Attendance Center.

West Lincoln will honor veterans during a special ceremony atthe school Friday at 9 a.m. As far as we know, this is the onlyorganized program in Lincoln County this year to honor veterans.The service is open to the public, and all veterans and theirfamilies are invited to attend.

As Lincoln Countians know, it’s the Exchange Club that displaysover 300 American, Mississippi and Prisoner of War-Missing inAction (POW-MIA) flags throughout the city of Brookhaven on mostholidays. The flags are purchased and maintained by the club.

According to Exchange President Kelly McDonald, the club doesthis to recognize the holidays but more importantly to HONORour veterans of the armed services. These veterans, both men andwomen, are the citizens who gave so much to provide the freedoms –like casting votes in elections — that Americans enjoytoday.

“When our veterans, or the widows or widowers of veterans,see these flags flying freely on the streets of our city, it is a’thank you’ to them for the sacrifices that they made for ourcountry,” McDonald said.

Early Saturday morning, members of the Exchange Club willput the flags on display, and they hope other citizens will alsotake time to remember and honor our veterans.

“When you see these flags waving in the breeze, take time toremember those who have protected — and those who continue toprotect — our country and ensure our freedoms as Americans,” saidMcDonald. “Explain to your children why the flags are flying, andthe sacrifices that our veterans have made. Many have paid thesupreme price by giving their life so that others might befree.”

Both the Exchange Club and West Lincoln School should becommended for their efforts to honor veterans. Let’s follow theirled by pausing Saturday to remember those who made the ultimatesacrifice.

Even better, let’s thank the veterans who are still with us.If you know a veteran, say “thank you for your service and what youdid for our country.”

It’s something they don’t hear often enough.