Camp Jack column: You are invited

to join in the celebration of our veterans and their families next week. Veterans Day is always a special time in these parts, but this year this remarkable community has planned a week’s worth of great events to honor our veterans’ service and many sacrifices. They are all free and veterans and their families are the guests of honor.

Besides paying tribute to our veterans, these celebrations have another important purpose. For far too long, many of our local veterans are what we call “living in the shadows.” These are veterans who, after serving their country proudly, became isolated and removed themselves from society. They seem normal enough but tend to avoid social gatherings and when they do go out, sit close to an exit for a quick escape. They avoid close relationships and any conversation relating to their service. These veterans have their reasons and I know what they are as for 50 years I lived in the shadows too.

The good news is that every Veterans Day a few of them get curious enough to show up at one of the events, usually at the urging of a spouse or friend. Once among other veterans with shared experiences, they slowly start relaxing, bonding and finding their way back into the sunlight. If you know a veteran like this, please, please bring them.

- Things kick off with a free Veteran Appreciation Dinner & Concert on Monday, Nov. 6, at Camp Jack. Sponsored by Stone Bank, this celebration of local veterans is part of the Ozark Highlands Radio Roadshow and features the award-winning Charlie Freeland Band playing the best of bluegrass and country music. Dinner starts at 5:30 and the concert begins at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

- A very special event happens at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10. Every year the students and faculty of Harrison High School have an assembly where they present an amazing program honoring veterans. It takes place at the Performing Arts Center in the high school and will make you feel proud, so please join us.

- This year’s Veterans Day Parade starts at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10. It begins at Camp Jack and the route will circle the downtown square. Veterans and their families are invited to ride in the parade, just contact Camp Jack so we can reserve a seat for you. Businesses, clubs and organizations are invited to participate in the parade, just contact Camp Jack for details.

- Weather permitting, at 7 a.m. on Veterans Day, Camp Jack volunteers will put up a record number of flags (over 130) on the downtown courthouse lawn. Each of these burial flags contains the name of a local veteran who honorably served our nation dating back to World War I. Please drop by and view this inspiring sight.

- On Saturday, Nov. 11, we kick off Veterans Day with a free Pancake Breakfast at Camp Jack from 9 to 11 a.m. This breakfast is open to the public and will feature live music.

- The Veterans Day Ceremony is at 11 a.m. in the Camp Jack drill hall. Our guest speaker is Colonel Derald Neugebauer, the Arkansas Army National Guard Chief of Staff. Camp Jack will also be presenting the “2023 Veteran of the Year” award.

- At noon there will be a Flag Retirement Ceremony in the Camp Jack parking lot hosted by Boy Scout Troop 60.

- The Elks are hosting a Veterans Day lunch starting at 1 p.m. at 1521 Highway 65 in Harrison. Veterans and their spouse eat for free and for others the cost is $5.

We are fortunate to live in a community that respects and supports those who served our nation and fought for the freedoms we enjoy every day. Please, show your support by joining us in celebrating these remarkable men and women. You are invited…

Matt Russell is a USMC Vietnam combat veteran and president of the Jack Williams Veteran Resource Center. Matt can be reached at m.russell@campjack.org, 411 South Pine Street, Harrison, AR 72601 or by calling (870) 517-5044. Follow Camp Jack on Facebook at campjackvrc or visit campjack.org .