Home of the brave and land of the free -- that is America. American veteran George Washington, our first commander in chief, would be proud to salute you and shake your hand. Remember, it was Washington who led our Army against overwhelming odds to win our freedom.

And ever since then, it has been our Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard who have kept us free.

And that freedom has allowed America to become the greatest country in the history of the world. On Nov. 1, we will honor all the veterans who are living in Hays, Ellis County, northwest and north-central Kansas who show up at our program, "Honoring Veterans & Honoring America."

Calling all veterans and their families, friends, and anyone else who respects what our veterans have done for us to attend a special program from 4 to 10 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. Veterans, this is our time -- come and celebrate. Last year, we sponsored a highly successful program, "Honoring our Veterans" at the VFW Hall where almost 200 people attended. We honored approximately 20 World War II veterans, several 90 years old. It was an evening of wonderful memories. Veterans, let's make some more wonderful memories by attending this year's veterans program.

Thanks to our veterans, we have the freedom to vote and elect our representatives who govern us. In conjunction with our veterans program, we will invite the people who are running for political office for the general election which is on Nov. 6. This will give all of us a last chance to "meet and greet" the candidates. It is often said that many people do not pay attention to the candidates until the last week before an election. This would help them in deciding who to vote for.

We will have some of your favorite food vendors and music starting at 4 o'clock at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. Plan on having dinner with us.

Mark your calendar for Nov. 1. See you there. Let's make some more wonderful memories.

Roger Ewing Hays