Attending the planning session were, left to right, Darryl Moore, Michael Collins, Frank Ortiz and Bevin Corbin. (Photo by Otis “Hoot” Livingston)

Volunteers have already begun planning for Columbus’ 2016 Veterans Day events. Veterans Day, which is traditionally held each year on Nov. 11, will be celebrated in 2016 over a two-day period.

Since the 11th falls on a Friday this year, the day will be recognized with an Honor Guard ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park in Columbus at 11 a.m. The parade which has taken place the last few years will occur once again in Columbus but will take place on Saturday, Nov. 12, beginning at 10 a.m.

Volunteers organizing the events are all veterans and several represent various veteran organizations in Polk County. Attending the planning session were Darryl Moore, Michael Collins, Frank Ortiz, Bevin Corbin and Otis “Hoot” Livingston.

Discussed were various ideas to make all the events run more efficiently. A review of past experiences, good and bad, drove the discussion. All agreed the events are meant for and directed primarily towards honoring the approximately 2,000 veterans who reside in Polk County. Because of this, the group agreed the overall effort should be defined as a Polk County event. Columbus was selected for the celebration since it is both the county seat and home of the Veterans Memorial Park.

-Submitted by Otis Livingston