Fort Scott and other parts of Bourbon County took part in honoring Veterans Day Friday with a series of events held at local schools, the college and the national cemetery as well as other places in order to show gratitude to veterans.

Fort Scott Community College recognized veterans by holding their first Veterans Day Walk around their lake beginning at 10 a.m. FSCC President’s Ambassadors walked the trail for an hour while members of the community were encouraged to participate when they could.

“We’re here to celebrate and to commemorate those who have committed their services to our country,” FSCC student services assistant Francis Schafer said prior to the walk. “We honor them today.”

FSCC office assistant Karri Johnson, whose husband is buried in the Fort Scott National Cemetery, said even footsteps in honor of the veterans can show support.

“We just wanted to make sure to honor everyone who has served and show our appreciation,” Johnson said. “We are walking for our veterans who are no longer with us and who are with us.”

The college also had a wall of photos honoring veterans inside Bailey Hall.

The local national cemetery also held a memorial service Friday, with Cmdr. Matthew Jones, United States Coast Guard, giving the address and using it as an opportunity to thank those who served abroad or at home, those involved in administrative duties, maintenance of vehicles and equipment, food and fuel providers and chaplains.

“Thank you for sacrificing your peaceful dreams and your daytime wonderings to remembering the terror of war,” Jones said, saying those in the service had to learn to die to themselves for the good of the team and their mission to protect their country.

Jones also thanked those who did not serve in the military but have expressed gratitude and encouragement to veterans.

“We thank you for your support and your encouragement,” Jones addressed those in attendance. “It makes service worth it… Thank you for being a nation that we are proud to have served.”

Others in Fort Scott also held services, such as the Fort Scott Middle School, Winfield Scott and St. Mary’s Catholic School. The local Veterans of Foreign Wars post held a lunch for veterans after the national cemetery ceremony.