CANTON — Veterans Day was first commemorated in 1919 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

More than 90 years later, it remains a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism and willingness to serve their country. Many Cherokee County organizations will be conducting various parades and events throughout the week to honor veterans.

* American Legion Post 45 Annual Veterans Day Parade

Location: Downtown Canton

Date: Today at 1 p.m.

Featuring: JROTC divisions from area schools, the Teasley Air Raiders, the Shriners, county vehicles and wreckers, scout groups, motorized units, clowns

Sponsored by: Thomas M. Brady, Jr. American Legion Post 45

Contact: American Legion Post 45, (770) 479-4405

* American Legion Post 316 and the city of Woodstock present Day of Honor for Our Veterans

Location: The Park at City Center in downtown Woodstock

Date: Friday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.

Featuring: a candlelight ceremony honoring veterans

Contact: Events Coordinator Marybeth Stockdale (770) 517-6788

* American Legion Post 45 Annual Veterans Day Program

Location: 160 McClure St. in Canton, Fair Grounds and Legion Field

Date: Friday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.

Who: Veterans and the general public are invited to attend.

Contact: American Legion Post 45, (770) 479-4405

* Woodstock High School NJROTC Performance

Location: Woodstock High School

Date: Friday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Featuring: a ceremony and performance to thank veterans for their courage in serving our country

Who: All veterans and guests welcome

* Cherokee County Historical Society’s “A Fighting Spirit: Cherokee County in WWII”

Location: Cherokee County History Museum and Visitor’s Center, 100 North Street in Canton on the first floor of the historic courthouse

Date: Friday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Featuring: A Fighting Spirit: Cherokee County in World War II is now at the Cherokee County History Museum and Visitors Center. This new temporary exhibit features original uniforms, objects, and photographs. There are also three new videos of personal stories of the war provided by local citizens. Refreshments will be served.

Contact: (770) 345-3288

* Canton VFW Post 5262 Veterans Appreciation Banquet

Location: Canton Moose Family Center at 278 Moose Loop Road

Date: Saturday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.

Who: All veterans and guests welcome

Please R.S.V.P. by Nov. 10 to (770) 479-8300