A number of Southern Illinois communities will commemorate Veterans Day on Wednesday with events ranging from parades and dances to flag

ceremonies with bands and guest speakers, all honoring those who have served their country.

Following is a listing of

area Veterans Day events, arranged alphabetically by communities:

Anna: 2 p.m. Parade starts at fairgrounds/city park, then heads south on Main Street. Hosted by Anna VFW Post

3455.

Benton: 11 a.m. Benton City Hall. Hosted by VFW Post 2671.

Cairo: 11 a.m. Candee Park, Cairo. Hosted by Tigert Memorial United Methodist Church.

Carbondale: 11 a.m. Veterans Memorial Plaza. Hosted by VFW Post 2605. Call David Conrad at 618-684-4835.

Carbondale SIU Army ROTC:

11 a.m. Tuesday to 11 a.m. Wednesday at flag pole between Woody Hall and Quigley at SIUC. Call 618-453-7563.

Carterville: 7 a.m. Veterans' salute at Cannon Park. Hosted by Lioness Club.

Chester: 10 a.m. VFW Hall, 939 State Street. Guest speaker includes the Rev. Sam Sterrett. Music by Chester High School Band. Hosted by VFW Post 3553.

Christopher: Veterans Day meeting. Hosted by American Legion Post 528.

Du Quoin: 11 a.m. 2215 U.S. 51. Cookout. Hosted by VFW Post 513.

Herrin: 11 a.m. Doughboy Memorial, downtown Herrin. Hosted by Herrin American Legion. Call 618-942-3313.

Marion: 11 a.m. Illinois 37 and Long Street. Hosted by VFW Post 1301.

Mound City: 10:30 a.m. Fountain Park, Main Street. Guest speaker Jay Manus. Hosted by Mound City Women's Club, VFW Post 8891 and Cairo VFW Post 2649. Call 618-748-9417.

Mount Vernon: American Legion Post 141.

Murphysboro: Flag display at Crain Funeral Home. Call 618-687-9223.

Orient: Will be joining with West Frankfort this year.

Sparta: Hosted by VFW Post 2698; free drink for veterans, members or not; soup for any visitor.

Steeleville: 4 p.m. 303 S. Chester St. Ceremony and dance. Hosted by American Legion Post BBK480. Call 618-965-3362.

West Frankfort: 11 a.m. West Main Street and Ida Street with a reading of names of deceased veterans; also a spaghetti dinner at noon. Hosted by VFW Post 5764. Public welcome. Call 618-937-2212.