Area residents are invited to show their support and appreciation of local military veterans on Monday when the Scotland County Veterans Council sponsors their annual Memorial Day service at Hillside Memorial Park in Laurinburg. Scotland County Board of Commissioners Chairman J.D. Willis is scheduled to read a proclamation of support during the 5 p.m. ceremony.

"Whereas millions of men and women have answered the call to duty in defending the hard won freedoms we enjoy today," the proclamation reads, "Memorial Day is the occasion on which we remember, recognize and honor (their) unselfish service ... "

Jimmy Bennett, president of the Scotland County Veterans Council, will be the master of ceremonies for the event.

"This is my first full year as president of the veterans council, and I hope to have a good turnout for this event," Bennett said. "We always give thanks on occasions such as Thanksgiving for what we have, but we don't always remember to show appreciation to veterans for our freedom. Attending a Memorial Day service would be a fitting tribute to veterans, as a way to honor their service and to say, 'thank you'."

Following remarks by Laurinburg Mayor Matthew Block, council member Bill Owens will introduce

keynote speaker and World War II veteran Capt. Calvin Calhoun.

"I will be speaking on a variety of patriotic subjects," Calhoun said, "including the heroism of veterans, the ceremonies held throughout the country, and the present need for patriotism in today's world."

Scotland County has suffered a total of 78 war casualties from World War I through the Vietnam War. Forty-nine county residents lost their lives in service to their country in World War II alone.

"Let us recognize the hardships and sacrifices of those we know as veterans," the final line of the proclamation reads, "and let us remember the words of the song which says so much about this observance, 'All gave some ... some gave all.'"

At 7 a.m. Monday, also at Hillside Park, the public is invited to help place flags on the graves of deceased veterans.

In case of inclement weather, the 5 p.m. event will be held at the American Legion Building on Atkinson Street.