The Polk County veterans’ hour will take center stage from noon-1 p.m. on the 4th of July.

This special hour will be full of presentations and discussions concerning our servicemen and women and the organizations that support them such as the VFW and American Legion.

The Polk County Memorial VFW Post #9116 & Ladies Auxiliary, Columbus Post Commander Scott Camp and President Joyce Preston, will moderate the Veterans hour.

They will cover topics such as explaining what the 4th of July stands for and that Freedom is Not Free. They will discuss the VFW and background information, and also include special recognition for several groups. The Town of Columbus and town council and Polk County interim manager and commissioners will be recognized for offering support by providing meeting space during the year.

They will also recognize any Polk County Gold Star Mothers & Blue Star Mothers. Gold Star Mothers is an organization formed after WWI for women who lost sons or daughters in the war.

Currently it is open to any American woman whose child has died in the line of duty of the United States Armed Forces. Blue Star Mothers of America is an organization formed during WWII for mothers with sons or daughters in the war. Currently it is open to mothers who have a son or daughter in the US Armed Forces.

The name came from the custom of families of servicemen hanging a banner called a Service Flag in a window of their homes. The Service Flag had a star for each family member in the military. If you know of any Gold Star or Blue Star Mother or someone who is eligible, please call Joyce Preston at 828-859-5286 so they can be added to the recognition list.

The American Legion #250 will be presented awards for their project with “Dogs for Wounded Warriors.” Commander Mike Collins will also say a few words about the American Legion.

The Polk County Honor Guard will be present and Glenn Burgess will say a few words about their organization.

An update on the progress of the Veterans Day Parade scheduled for Nov. 11, 2013 in Columbus will be presented by Otis Livingston.

The House of Flags and the US flag will be discussed by Robert Williamson.

– article submitted by Jonathan Kanipe