It’s time to show them our appreciation for serving and protecting our country.

South Lincoln County will hold a number of events on or near Veterans Day, Nov. 11, beginning later this week.

At 6:30 p.m. Friday, the Kootenai Valley Christian School will hold its annual program at the Libby Christian Church. 

Saturday, Nov. 8, the American Legion Austin Reedy Post 97 and American Legion Auxiliary invite all veterans to their annual Veterans Dinner. This free dinner is held at the American Legion Hall at 319 California Avenue. The hall will be open to veterans and their guests only for this event.

Happy hour begins at 5 p.m. with two free drink tickets, one for each veteran and one for their guest. A complimentary dinner is served at 6 p.m., featuring fried chicken, sides, salads, cake and beverages. 

A 50/50 raffle and auction will also be conducted during the evening.

The guest speaker for the event is Sandy Sonju, the Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for this area. VSOs provided invaluable assistance to veterans, helping them and their families navigate the complex process of obtaining eligible benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

They provide free assistance and act as a liaison between veterans and the VA, helping with everything from identifying potential claims and preparing evidence to submitting applications and providing updates on their status.

The annual Veterans Dinner is an evening filled with camaraderie of fellow veterans and military families, an opportunity to connect with the local Veterans Service Officer, and a moment to recognize, remember, celebrate and honor America’s Veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Troy Public Schools will be hosting its annual Veterans Day Assembly at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10, at the high school.

Local VFW members and all community members are welcome.

A breakfast for all veterans will be served after the assembly.

The Lincoln County Veterans Memorial Foundation will hold its annual program at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11. Chairs will be provided.

Under the direction of Cara Lewis, the Libby High School Choir will sing the National Anthem. Guest speakers Cathy Wolfe and Brian Sharp will follow. Wolfe is a military nurse and Honor Flight attendee while Sharp is a veteran and VFW member. 

The program will conclude with Riley Stoltz, under the direction of Patrick Lewis, playing "Taps."

The Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild will present Quilts of Valor to 28 Libby area veterans at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 at the Libby VFW. 

This year’s recipients represent the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, with service dates ranging from World War II to the present. The VFW will serve a dinner at 6 p.m. The dinner is by donation. 

It is open to the public.