LEWISTOWN — At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, World War I came to an end with the signing of an armistice – a moment that gave rise to Veterans Day.

The national holiday on Nov. 11 is traditionally observed with parades and public gatherings, commemorating U.S. military members, past and present. It also provides the nation a chance to reflect on its original message: the “perpetuation of peace through good will and mutual understanding between people and nations.”

Juniata County

Veterans Day Parade

Port Royal hosted this year’s Juniata County Veterans Day Parade on Saturday. The parade lined up at 10:30 a.m. at the former elementary school on Eighth Street, Port Royal. It stepped off at noon and was full of patriotism with floats and all sorts of red, white and blue decor.

Veterans Day

Program in

Lewistown

In the Juniata River Valley, Veterans Day is recognized with a special program held at the Mifflin County Annex, located at 101 W. Third St., Lewistown, at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The program will open with an introduction by James Peters, the new director of Mifflin County Department of Veterans Affairs. That will be followed by the posting of the colors by Troop No. 106 of Milroy and an invocation by Jeff Snyder.

Mary Kanagy will sing the National Anthem and other patriotic songs, Lisa Snyder is this year’s guest speaker and there will be a reflective moment of silence.

A rousing version of Taps will start the closing of the program, along with a benediction by Snyder, closing remarks and a retrieval of the colors by Troop No. 106.

A special thanks to the Mifflin County Commissioners, Mifflin County High School Key Club and Lewistown Mayor Deb Bargo.

Veterans Day Meals

Noon Friday, Rhodes Memorial United Methodist Church, 500 Highland Ave., Lewistown. Free for veterans and their families. More information: (717) 953-1928.

5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Church of the Open Door in Richfield, a Veterans Day Meal will be served at the McAlisterville Community Building, located at 115 School St., McAlisterville. Reserve your spot by calling Michelle at (717) 443-4081.

Rucking for Veterans 5K

“Embrace the Ruck” on Veterans Day by completing the Second Annual Rucking for Veterans 5K on Tuesday, starting at 11 a.m. The event begins at Walker Township Park and finishes at the American Legion. It’s open to everyone whether you are a veteran or not. Participants can carry anything from a ruck, flag or tribute to a Veteran or service member.

Juniata County Veterans Council Veterans Day/Queen Ball

The coronation of this year’s Juniata County Veterans Council Veterans Day queen took place on Friday night followed with a ball at the Laurelton, Laurelton Lane, Mifflintown. U.S. Air Force Veteran Ken Morrison was the guest speaker. This year’s queen is Kalynn Brown, with Makaylyn Peters as the first runner-up and Shylynn Hile as the second runner-up. All three are students at Juniata High School.

Brown, age 17, is the daughter of Clayton Brown and Kala Whitesel. Her future plans include attending college and pursuing a career in the healthcare industry.

Peters, age 17, is the daughter of Donald and Tanya Peters. Her future plans include attending college for criminal justice.

Hile, age 17, is the daughter of Rodney and Samantha Hile. Her future plans include attending Wilson College for their veterinary nursing program to become a veterinary technologist.

The six candidates vying for this year’s queen raised a combined $28,000 for the Juniata County Veterans Council.

Field of Flags campaign

In honor of Veterans Day, the Tuscarora Junior High School Spirit Club built a field of flags on the lawn outside of the school to honor active-duty military and veterans. These flags serve as a tangible reminder of the service and sacrifice these American heroes made. Proceeds from the sales of flags were donated to the Juniata County Veterans Affairs Office.