Newton Citizen

COVINGTON -- American Legion Post 32 is asking members of the community to take time out of their busy schedules on Friday, Veterans Day, and recognize the sacrifices made by veterans.

The post's annual commemoration ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on the Square in downtown Covington.

The keynote speaker is Master Gunnery Sergeant Rob Robinson, USMC Retired, recipient of five purple hearts and vice chairman of Department of Georgia American Legion Riders.

Also participating in the ceremony will be The Eastside Brass and Newton High School's MCJROTC Color Guard. The ceremony will include the laying of the wreath in memory of deceased soldiers. All veterans present will receive special recognition. The event is expected to last about 30 minutes.

"It's a holiday that's designed to show appreciation for what the veterans have done," said Post Commander Terry Moore. "We're only asking for 30 minutes of the day. I'd like to have as many veterans as possible there."

VFW Post 2938 will not host a Veterans Day ceremony this year due to low turnout at past ceremonies and a decline in membership, said Commander Michael French. Members will attend the American Legion event instead, he said.

French said membership has dropped from 254 to 101 over the last four years. Anyone interested in membership can attend a meeting on the second Saturday of the month, at 10 a.m. at Journey Church, located at 1150 Monticello St.

He also encouraged the general public to be on the lookout in the coming days for distributors of poppies. The VFW's Buddy Poppy Program provides compensation to the disabled and needy veterans who assemble the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans' rehabilitation and service programs; and partially supports the VFW National Home for orphans and widows of veterans. The poppies are distributed for free, though donations are appreciated.