Batesville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Commander Bobby Hudson led the pledge of allegiance at the opening of the city’s Veteran’s Day observance on the downtown Square Thursday. Honoring a tradition that began in 1919, the observance opened on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. A crowd of about 300 people turned out under a warm sun for the ceremony. The Panolian photo by John Howell Sr.

The names of the Panola men who have died thus far in this nation’s wars of the 21st Century have been added to the monument’s side facing Panola Avenue.

Participants at Thursday’s Veteran’s Day observance included cross section of the community.

Band director Linda Davis led an instrumental ensemble from the South Panola High School Band in a medley of patriotic tunes in honor of Panola’s veterans.

The sun shone brightly as the Veteran’s Day observance began at the morning’s 11th hour.

Participants seated in the amphitheater.

A collective wealth of memories flowed through the minds of spectators as the band played.

The Square’s Baker Building is visible behind a part of the Vet’s Day participants.

Wreath placed at the base of the memorial monument to Panola’s war dead.

Veterans and spectators mingled throughout Thursday’s crowd on the Square.

Shade was limited. Veterans and other participants listened intently during the short program.

One veteran took in the Veteran’s Day program from a distance, standing on the steps leading from the railroad tracks.