Hiland High School’s National Honor Society will mark Veterans Day with its annual community program Monday, Nov. 10 at 1:15 p.m. in the Perry Reese Jr. Community Center. The public and all area veterans are invited to attend a program featuring musical selections, student tributes and an opportunity for fellowship with veterans after the formal recognition.

The event, hosted by students, aims to bring the community together to honor local service members and to make visible the county’s appreciation of military service. Organizers emphasize a goal to “pack the house,” underscoring the program’s role as both a ceremonial tribute and a chance for neighbors to connect across generations.

Hiland’s program provides a local setting where students and veterans can interact directly. For many veterans, especially those living in rural areas like Holmes County, school- and community-based events offer important social contact that complements formal services. The post‑program fellowship time gives veterans space to share experiences with younger residents and to receive community recognition that can combat isolation, a concern increasingly highlighted by public health professionals who study veteran well‑being.

Access and inclusion are central to the program’s outreach. Veterans who were not directly contacted by organizers are asked to call the Hiland High School main office at 330‑893‑2626 to be included in the recognition. That invitation signals an effort to reach veterans who might otherwise be missed because of disconnected contact lists, mobility constraints, or limited access to transportation—barriers commonly reported in rural communities.

Public health considerations also intersect with community gatherings. Large indoor events can offer social and emotional benefits, particularly for older or isolated residents, but they also require mindfulness about accessibility and safety so all veterans can participate comfortably. Local partners and hosts play a role in ensuring venues are physically accessible and that outreach reaches veterans from across Holmes County’s diverse communities.

As students lead musical tributes and formal acknowledgments, the program also serves an educational purpose, fostering civic awareness among younger residents about the sacrifices and service of local veterans. The annual nature of the event helps sustain a community norm of appreciation and provides a predictable opportunity for veterans and families to gather each year.

Residents and veterans interested in attending or being recognized should contact Hiland High School’s main office at 330‑893‑2626 for inclusion. The school’s program remains an important local tradition connecting youth, veterans, and the broader Holmes County community.