Veterans Day is one day a year in which communities devote their time honoring military servicemen and women of the United States Armed Forces.

On Friday, clubs, organizations, schools and leaders of all community groups across the region will host a variety of activities commemorating Veterans Day.

Darcy Rau, club manager of the Bradford American Legion, said a traditional ceremony at Veterans Square in Bradford will begin at 11 a.m.

“The annual Veterans’ Day ceremony in the square will recognize all of the men and women who’ve fought for this country in all branches of the military,” Rau told The Era.

Speakers for the event have yet to be determined, Rau said.

“Many of Bradford’s veterans’ clubs/organizations will participate in the ceremony,” she noted. “We’re looking forward to recognizing our veterans this weekend.”

A luncheon for members of American Legion Post 108 will follow.

Meanwhile, Frances Sherman VFW Auxiliary will visit area veterans at local nursing homes, also beginning at 11 a.m. Friday, according to Val Meacham.

The Auxiliary will also host a chicken and biscuit dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov 14 that is open to the public. Post 212 veterans eat free. All others are charged a fee of $7.

“Reservations are appreciated,” Meacham said, adding those participating have the option of eating in or taking food out.

To make a reservation, contact the Vets Club at (814) 368-3011.

Locals are also invited to stop out at the Eldred World War II Museum on Friday for Veterans Day celebrations.

Business Administrator Heather Schena said Steve Appleby will present a program at 1 p.m. on the topic “Citizen Soldiers” in Mitchell Paige Hall at the museum, located on Main Street in Eldred.

“We’re hoping to have a lot of people show up,” Schena explained. “It’s going to be a great talk. We’re also looking for any donations and the opportunity to expand our programs here and bring in more people for future events.”

Above all, she noted, the event is held in honor of area veterans.

“We really urge everyone who can make it to please do so,” Schena added. “We owe it to these veterans who’ve really sacrificed a lot for the freedoms we have. They deserve our respect and our willingness to pay homage to the cause at every chance we get.”

The event is free admission for veterans, $5 for adults, and children 16 and under are admitted for free.

Meanwhile, the Eldred Ecumenical Home will hosting an event at 5:30 p.m., open to the public, and Schena encouraged people to “head over there” after they visit the museum.

“It will be a lot of fun,” she described. “It’s a reenactment, which will include World War II era music, singing and dancing.”

And schools across the Bradford Area School District will recognize Veterans Day with assemblies, speakers, emblems and a parade to kick-off the commemoration, according to Heather Bell, family involvement coordinator and instructional coach at School Street and George G. Blaisdell elementary schools.

“We have our big assembly on Friday at 9:30 a.m. at School Street,” Bell said. “There, we will be recognizing veterans from the community. It’s a great event that always has a wonderful turnout and a wealth of support.”

At George G. Blaisdell, the assembly will take place at 2:30 p.m.

“Students will attend both assemblies,” Bell said. “At that time, we’ll have student readers, music provided by the musical department, and a bunch of other activities commemorating our veterans.”

Veterans will have special seating reserved, Bell noted, and will be escorted in by student leaders in order to show student, faculty and staff appreciation.

Prior to the assembly, students will line the hallways in a parade set for special recognition “in order to show them they’re appreciated,” Bell said.

At Floyd C. Fretz Middle School, students will make dog tags in memory of a veteran that is a family member or friend, according to Tina Slaven, all of which will be displayed on students’ lockers.

“Student council will also be holding a fundraiser, with all proceeds going to veterans in nursing homes in the area,” Slaven said. Additionally, money will be given to the VFW Frances Sherman Auxiliary for packages for the holiday season for soldiers deployed overseas.

All of these activities are organized and led by students of the district, under The Leader in Me initiative.

“The Leader in Me centers on the belief that each of us are leaders that can impact others through positive actions,” explained Superintendent Katharine Pude. “Children are all excited for these activities and the chance to honor men and women they view as local heroes.”

Across the district, wooden veterans’ signs and flags are being displayed on the lawns of school district buildings, Pude said. They will be lit up throughout the week leading up to Veterans Day on Friday.

“Each school is honoring our heroes in a different manner, but all are recognizing the same mission,” Pude said.

“These individual commemorations by the students are so important,” Bell added. “Just as these children are our future, our veterans are our history. They fought for our freedoms, and without them, we wouldn’t be able to have all the liberties, opportunities and the blessed lives that we currently have in this country. This week, and every week, we should honor our veterans for their selflessness, courage and bravery.”