A group of county residents is planning a Veterans Day celebration to honor past and present service members.

"A Tribute to Our Veterans, Past and Present" is set Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. at Badger Field. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., and former Mayor Jack Calvert, a retired Army colonel, will serve as master of ceremonies.

The event is free, but donation jars will be on hand. Proceeds will assist in funding updates to a memorial at the county courthouse, flags for Key Avenue placement during holidays, and assistance with the Kempner Veterans Memorial. A free all-American meal will be served. It includes a hot dog, apple pie and a soft drink.

Keystone Square Museum will have a table set up from which to collect information on veterans to add to its exhibit at the Western Street facility. Residents are asked to bring information about local service members. A photograph to accompany information can be photocopied on site, as well.

Fort Hood will participate with its color guard posting the flags, a static display and a canine demonstration.

Calvert will lead the pledge to the flag, and the Lampasas High School band will play the national anthem.

Jack Shelton will offer an invocation and invite participants to join him in a moment of silence to remember veterans' sacrifices.

The Badger Band will perform a medley of patriotic tunes, and Lometa School's 74-member choir will sing three songs, and a Ford Hood official will be the keynote speaker and focus on veterans' missions and sacrifices.

LHS and Lampasas Middle School bands will play, and the Lampasas Community Choir will sing.

Also offering assistance will be local Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to a gym at Lampasas High School on U.S. Highway 281 South.

Lampasas Wal-Mart will make a sizeable contribution to the event, offering volunteer hours to be turned into money for planned veterans' projects.