Teaching small children about the sacrifice military men and women give is difficult, so show them what it means to support our armed forced at one of the many Veteran's Day events throughtout the Lowcountry. This year, there are several unique activities— including a blood drive, golf outing, turkey shoot and much more!

Veterans Day Observance on Hilton Head Island

When/Where: 10:15 a.m. Nov. 11 at Shelter Cove Veterans Memorial Park on Shelter Cove Lane
Info: The Military Veterans Coalition of Hilton Head Island will conduct a Veterans Day observance. This year's host organization is American Legion Post 185. A Navy Chaplain attached to MCAS Beaufort will offer the invocation and the benediction for the event. A combined color guard from the American Legion and Hilton Head Island High School will present the colors.The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by newly commissioned 2nd Lt. Christopher Todd, US Army National Guard, who just graduated from Clemson University with two separate degrees. A USMC Bugler from the Parris Island Marine Band will play all the bugle calls including taps during the ceremony. A 21-gun salute will be provided by a USMC special squad from MCAS Beaufort. Musical support will be provided by more than 30 students from the Hilton Head Island High School Band under the direction of "Director of Bands" Mr. Todd Smith from the school.
This year's keynote speaker will be Major General Larry Nicholson, USMC. Major Gen Nicholson, a combat veteran of recent tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan and graduate of the Citadel in Charleston, is currently serving in the Pentagon as the senior military advisor to the deputy secretary of defense. 
Following the activities at the event site, there will be a seated luncheon reception at the Shorehous" of the Hilton Oceanfront Resort located in Palmetto Dunes.
Cost: The public is invited, tickets are $20/person
Contact: Call 681-4960 for details

Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran

When/Where: 9:30-11 a.m. Nov. 11 Parris Island; Lori Reynolds, USMC, Commanding General, MCRD/ERR, Parris Island, will be the keynote speaker at the 11 a.m. ceremony at Beaufort’s National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary Street; parade begins at 9:30 a.m. A reception has been scheduled immediately following the ceremony at the AMVETS Post #70, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal
Info: The Beaufort County Office of Veterans Affairs hopes residents will turn out in good numbers on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11 and show their support for our retired and active duty military. Edward Ray, Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Officer, said small tributes like attending the parade and ceremony go a long way in showing appreciation. 
Sgt. Major Carl R. Green, USMC, (Ret.), a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom was selected parade grand marshall and Brigadier General Gen. 
The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. and will follow the downtown Beaufort parade route which begins at Rogers Street near the national cemetery, moves along Boundary Street toward downtown, turns right onto Bay Street, right onto Bladen St. and back to the cemetery. The Whale Branch Early College High School Band will perform in both the parade and the ceremony. Other participants include several area high school bands and the color guards of each branch of the service along with marching military personnel. In addition, there will be participation from all local veterans service organizations and ladies auxiliaries. Various local business, school groups, civic organizations and fire departments will also participate as will state and local elected officials, the Water Festival Pirettes and the Patriot Guard Riders.  

Southern Heritage Turkey Shoot

When/Where: 3 p.m.-dark Nov. 12, Dos Lupes Gun Club, W. 336 Preschool Road, Ridgeland.
Info: Presented by Sons of Confederate Veterans
Cost: Free
Contact: 843-338-4904 or colcock2100@hotmail.com

Fifth annual Veteran's Week Golf Event

When/Where: Nov. 7-11, Hampton Hall, Bluffton.
Cost: Free with $20 cart fee
Contact: 843-815-8720. 843-987-2161. 843-757-0715. 843 681-5550, ext. 227

Fort Pulaski Commemorates Veterans Day

When/Where: Nov. 11-13, Fort Pulaski National Monument, Hwy. 80
Info: In addition to musket firings, bayonet drills, and mounting of the fort guard, women of the Civil War era will be highlighted as the wives of the 48th New York Infantry Regiment “walk the runway” in a Civil War Ladies Fashion Show. Ladies of the Civil War period wore a range and variety of clothing depending on social status, social customs, or even social events.
Cost: Admission is free for the Veterans Day weekend.

Veteran’s Day Blood Drive

When/Where: 12-5 p.m. Nov. 11, First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head
Info: The blood drive is sponsored by Health Ministries at FPC in honor of veterans
Contact: Appointments may be scheduled by calling the church at 843-681-3696

Help Plant Trees to Commemorate Veteran’s Day

When/Where: 9 a.m. Nov. 12 at the Westlake reforestation site, intersection of Oriole Road and Westlake Avenue in Savannah
Info: Volunteers are needed to help young trees as they mature into an urban forest at the Westlake reforestation site. Trees planted in February 2010 and January 2011 by volunteers with the Savannah Tree Foundation are in need of some helping hands. Volunteers will help plant a dozen new trees, and learn and about the environmental and economic benefits of urban forests. Refreshments and community service credit provided. Tools and gloves also provided if you don’t have them.

Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum Flying Fortress 5K

When/Where: 8:30 a.m. Nov. 12 at the Mighty Eighth Airforce Museum in Pooler, Ga.
Info: The second annual Flying Fortress 5K is to benefit the restoration of the museum’s B-17, the “City of Savannah.” The 5K (3.1 mile) course will make its way through the campus of JCB Inc., starting and finishing at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum. The run/walk will benefit the restoration of the Museum’s B-17, the City of Savannah.
Cost: $25 until Nov. 10, $30 Nov. 11-12.
Contact: For information, call 912-748-8888, ext. 107 or email jharper@mightyeighth.org.

Outward Bound for Veterans Fundraiser

When/Where: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 12. River’s Edge, 6206 Waters Ave. in Savannah
Info: Outward Bound for Veterans is a program that provides challenging learning expeditions designed to help veterans overcome the challenges they face when returning home from war. Join us for a silent auction that includes a Big Bertha Golden Bear golf driver. Cookies will be served and local service members will also be honored by Odyssey Hospice. Holiday Retirement will match all donation made in an attempt to raise 1.2 million.
Contact: For information, call 912-354-6146.

Odyssey Hospice Veteran’s Day Program

When/Where: 1:30 p.m. Nov. 12. River’s Edge, 6206 Waters Ave. in Savannah
Info: Join us as we honor veterans at local nursing homes and Assisted Living Facilities.