Because of the ongoing conflict in Iraq and other places overseas, Veterans Day has a more pronounced meaning for many in the United States, but local leaders hosting Veterans Day programs today want to bring the focus back to those who did their duty in the past as well as honoring those who are in danger now.

The American Legion and VFW will host a Veteran’s Day Program at 10 a.m. at Courthouse Square in Linden, with a focus on “the fading warriors of World War II.”

“These people are passing away at a rate we can’t afford,” Demopolis Times columnist Tom Boggs, whose father served, said in a recent column.

Today’s event will honor all who have served and are serving.

Additionally, there will be a dedication of additional bricks to the Veteran’s Monument in honor or memory of veterans.

The Veteran’s Monument Committee, Marengo Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5377 and Demopolis American Legion Post 41 are planning a monument and walk of honor for local veterans.

“The area around the monument will be paved with personalized bricks to honor those who served or are now serving in the armed forces,” committee members explained.

Bricks may be ordered for a living or deceased veteran. The engraving is limited to three lines at 14 characters per line. The cost of each brick is $50. For more information or to obtain an order form, call (334) 289-1251.

In case of rain the event will be held in the courtroom.

In Sumter County, on the University of West Alabama campus, veterans will gather for another service at 5:30 tonight.

“This is the first one we’ve done,” Rose Rolison said. “We’re hoping this event will open the door to those veterans we couldn’t get in touch with and make it an annual event,” she said.

The community-wide, free event, will be held in the Bell Conference Center on the UWA campus and will honor all veterans, particularly those of foreign wars.

“We ask all veterans to be there between 5 and 5:15,” Rolison said. She said those who have not formerly invited are welcome to be part of the program, because not all veterans could be contacted.

“It’s not easy to do because there are no lists,” she said. “But we want all to be a part of this special program.”