Editorial: Fitting tributes

Although there’s some much-needed rain in the forecast for Sunday, let’s hope it doesn’t dampen enthusiasm for community events scheduled to honor our nation’s veterans on Veterans Day.

Lawrence’s chapters of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans plan a combined observance at 11:11 a.m. at the American Legion building, with speakers, a presentation honoring deceased veterans, a 21-gun salute and a performance of taps.

Earlier that morning, the Kansas University Collegiate Veterans Association and the new Veterans Chapter of the KU Alumni Association will be in South Park to kick off the fourth year of a fundraising run that will wind past the campus memorials. This year it benefits two worthy projects. One is the KU Wounded Warriors Scholarship Fund that provides scholarships to student veterans who have suffered a combat-related injury, or to spouses, caregivers or children of an injured veteran or a service member killed in the line of duty. The second beneficiary is Operation Jayhawk Honor, a project initiated by the collegiate veterans to fund regular maintenance of some of the war memorials on the KU campus. Anyone who has observed the desecration of some of these monuments can appreciate this attention to their continued care.

The activities Sunday are a continuation of a slate of activities on campus that started Tuesday and included information distribution, a panel discussion, showing of a documentary film and the observance today of the Marine Corps’ birthday. Events continue Saturday with a 24-hour vigil by ROTC members at the campus war memorials, as well as a walking tour that will include wreath-laying ceremonies at those memorials. The walking tour begins at 3 p.m. at the World War II Memorial Campanile and also is worthy of public support. The celebration continues Nov. 17 with the USO-style gala to honor veterans at the Dole Institute of Politics. Admission is free, but those planning to attend the event featuring World War II era music and refreshments must contact the Dole Institute by Monday.

Attend the activities. Run, or cheer the runners! Participation by the public in these activities is a powerful way to show appreciation to members of the military for their service to our country. Rain or shine.