Our American flag is flying high outside our doorstep as it does most every day but especially today in observance of Veterans Day, the day set aside to honor and pay tribute to America’s military veterans living and dead.
Many take the freedoms we have as Americans and the rights we are afforded by our citizenship for granted. I was reminded of this when Bruce and I walked into the polls Tuesday to cast our vote in the citywide election. The freedom to vote is a privilege we must all be grateful for and for the foresight of our country’s founding fathers.
Veterans Day is observed to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, heroism and willingness to serve their country in the face of danger. A time-honored observance, I remember as a child the day was known as Armistice Day and I was taught its origins stem from the conclusion of World War I, known then on Nov. 11, 1918.
Our United States flag soars today and hope yours will, too. Andersonville National Historic Site has hundreds of flags unfurling in the breeze along the Avenue of Flags this weekend. It is a breathtaking sight and that will make you puff with proudness. If you haven’t seen this patriotic display, please visit the Historic Site by the end of day Sunday. Another Veterans Day observance is Museum Night at the National Prisoner of War Museum from 6 to 9 p.m. today. The Museum is extremely impressive anytime but especially after dark.
And the American Legion Post 558 honored military veterans with an impressive, patriotic parade and program Friday.
I’ve mentioned Calvary Episcopal’s book club that meets monthly on Sunday evenings in this space before but I must mention it again, for the most recent was among the best. This month’s book “Echo” by Pam Munoz Ryan was suggested and reviewed by Elizabeth Kuipers. An excellent and thought-provoking, award-winning novel that is written for the young adult but is an interesting read for any age and thoroughly enjoyable. Elizabeth’s review was lively and stimulating. It was a wonderful evening indeed that also included good food and good conversation among the congenial group attending: Annie Hughes, Joni Woolf, Carey Wooten, Abbie Dillard, Jeannie Stanfield, Sarah McLain, Cindy Dudley, Jerry Crisp, Sue Fitzgerald, Zona Buchan, Jean Deriso, Mary Ferrill, Allyson Drinnon and Julie Megginson.
Sumter Humane Society’s furry friends are doing a balancing act. They are on their hind legs delivering a standing ovation and clapping their little paws to celebrate the successful Fur Ball at the Griffin Bell Conference and Golf Center last Saturday night. It was a huge success and our furry friends are cheered as the proceeds benefit the local humane society. A large crowd turned out for the gala organized by Michelle Gatian Andrews, Lisa Whitaker and Channon Thurmond. The club house was beautifully decorated by a talented group directed by Jane Arnold and includes Michelle Taylor Andrews, Martha Augood, Anne Barrett, Ellen Hanson, Jarrett Hooks, Barbara Raines, Beth Fowler and Patty Perles. After dining on beef tenderloin, shrimp and grits and a myriad of side dishes and sweets skillfully prepared by Leon Holloway and staff at Catering Cousins, the show band, the Missin’ Links, had everyone on their feet dancing the night away. Citizens Bank of Americus and Robert Parks were premier sponsors. Table sponsors were: Hancock Funeral Home, Carl and Judy Tott; Bill and Ann Harris; Mr. and Mrs. George Thurmond; Debbie Smith; Brand Mortgage; Jimbo and Patty Griffith; Gatewood, Skipper and Rambo P.C.; Pario Communications; Moir Idea; Bethany Comeau Counseling and Consulting, LLC; Sally Markette; John and Beth Fowler and Dr. Ben and Michelle Andrews. Mark your calendars for the 2018 Fur Ball set for the first Saturday of November.
And mark your calendars for Sumter Historic Trust’s Annual Meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Sumter County Sheriff Pete Smith is featured speaker. His talk will focus on important safety measures.
And welcome home from South Africa to recent bride and groom Taylor and Ashley Jones Austin, and vacationers Kevin and Jenny Reeves.
Meanwhile, UGA fans from here and afar will fill Auburn University’s Jordan Hare Stadium to the brim in Auburn, Alabama, for today’s kickoff at 3:30 p.m. when the UGA Bulldogs and the Auburn Tigers meet. The Dawgs are rated to win — the team is first in the SEC East and we hope they win this week’s game. It was a superlative game in Athens last Saturday for the UGA-South Carolina game. Let’s do it again today, Bulldogs.

Leila Sisson Case lives in Americus.