Starting with the first Minutemen firing the “shot heard around the world” against the British in the Revolutionary War, our freedom has been earned and preserved over and over again by the commitment and lifeblood of our armed forces.

On Monday, we will celebrate Veterans Day, a national holiday set aside to honor all of those who have worn a military uniform in our nation’s service. To help celebrate the day and recognize our local veterans, a number of events have been planned around the county.

Kicking off Monday’s activities is a buffet-style breakfast for veterans at Enterprise Attendance Center, followed by a special program at 9:30 a.m. in the school gymnasium.

West Lincoln Attendance Center will hold its annual Veterans Day program at 9 a.m. Monday in the Jack Case gymnasium with a reception following.

Brookhaven Academy will present its Veterans Day program at 10 a.m. in the school gym with a reception afterwards.

Rounding out the day’s public events is a Community Veterans Day Celebration at the Lincoln Civic Center to honor area veterans and celebrate the 10th anniversary of the local Military Memorial Museum.

Displays will open at 4:30 p.m. Monday at the civic center, with a veterans recognition program beginning at 5:30 p.m.

We urge local citizens to attend any or all of the above programs and show appreciation to our veterans for their service to our community and country.

Without our veterans’ sacrifices, we would not enjoy the many freedoms we have today.

So take time Monday to give thanks for all they have done.