Sunday, November 11^th is Veterans Day, a day we as a Nation have set aside to honor our Vets. A day set aside to thank our vets for their service to our country.

November 11^th was picked for this special day because it is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War 1. (Signed on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of 1918).

Our vets have and are sacrificing so much for us. They have sacrificed life and limb. They've sacrificed time with their families, their baby's first steps, first words, graduation, holidays with their families. They go to far off lands, sometimes not knowing what the future holds for them. They do this without complaining.

Here in Volusia County, FL there will be celebrations and events being held to honor our veterans this weekend. If you are out and about and want to thank a vet, please stop by one of these many events to do so.

• Friday, November 09, A Patriotic Salute at the Daytona Beach Community Center. The Expresso Jazz will be entertaining guests with a family oriented variety show. Admission price is $12, $6.00 for Veterans, Active Military, Students and Children younger then 10. Show times are 3:00PM and 7:30PM.

• Saturday, November 10^th, Marine Corps Birthday Bash at the American Legion Post 6 at 1087 Biscayne Blvd in Deland. They are going to have food and an auction, come join the festivities! Call 386-783-0009 for more information.

• Saturday, November 10^th, Bikers are getting together to hold a ride for the Emory L Bennett Veterans Nursing Home. Registration is from 10am to Noon at the Port Orange VFW post on Airport Rd (S. Williamson) and will be Escorted to the nursing home and then a casual ride to VFW Post in NSB.

• Saturday, November 10^th, Veterans Walk~ 5K or 10K walk that is presented by the Happy Wanderers. The walk will begin after a wreath laying ceremony in Veterans Park in Port Orange at the Regional Library located at 1005 City Center Circle. The cost is $3.00.

• Sunday, November 11^th, Veterans Day Ceremony at the Port Orange City Center located at 1000 City Center Circle with a fly over by the Spruce Creek Gaggles. The Ceremony begins at 10:30AM.

• Sunday, November 11^th, Veterans Day Ceremony at Emory L Bennett Veterans Nursing Home. Belkis Pineyro-Wiggins will be the featured guest speaker. The Ceremony begins at 1PM. Emory L Bennett Veterans Nursing Home is located at 1920 Mason Ave. in Daytona Beach.

Flagler County also has events scheduled if you are out and about in that area!

• Sunday, November 11^th, Veterans Day Services at Palm Coast United Methodist Church at 5200 Belle Terre Parkway in Palm Coast will be led by retired Rev. Harry Gilman, Army Chaplin. Services will be at 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00AM.

• Sunday, November 11^th, Veterans Day Ceremony at the Flagler Pier sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans, Jim Booe Chapter 86 at 9:30AM.

• Sunday, November 11^th, A USO SHOW with a Nostalgia Swing Band and "Vivach" appearing as the Andrews Sisters at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8696 located at 47 Old Kings Road in Palm Coast. Admission is $13, or $25 a couple. Call 386-445-8696 for more info.

So, Volusia and Flagler Counties, thank a vet this weekend and remember....

Your Freedom Wasn't Free.