Today is Veterans Day and many in the community are finding a way to say thanks to those who have served. This evening a free dinner is being held in Washington with Lt. Col. Mark Coble speaking. Coble is from Wayland and has served in the Iowa National Guard for nearly 30 years, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. The dinner starts at 6 p.m. at the United Presbyterian Church.

Also, two teachers at St. James Elementary School are working with their students to collect items to send to service men and women who are overseas. Third grade teacher Samantha Batterson says, “Our veterans have done so much for our country and for us. A lot of those little things we take for granted, we really don’t think about it, but when you take the time to give back, (think of) how much it means to them and how much joy it brings to them. It’s not only about our joy in feeling good about helping, but in how much joy we can bring to others.”

In observance of Veterans Day many offices are closed including the courthouse, post offices and banks. The Washington Hy-Vee will be hosting a free breakfast for veterans and active duty service members on Friday from 6-11 a.m. For area Veterans Day events visit the community calendar.