On Thursday, Nov. 11, the 35th Annual Johnson County Veteran’s Day event will carry on its traditional recognition of local veterans, beginning at 11 a.m.

The 2021 program will be presented online only in observance of health and safety guidelines for reducing/containing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The virtual event will be live-streamed on Facebook Live and on the county’s website at jocogov.org/jocohonorsvets.

Ed Eilert, chairman of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners, will serve as emcee for the program.

The celebration will be recognizing veterans of Desert Storm (30th anniversary) and Iraq and Afghanistan and featuring speakers by videos from Bravo Company (the “Spartans”), 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment at the New Century AirCenter near Gardner. The unit lost a Chinook helicopter a decade ago when it was shot down in Afghanistan, killing 38 military personnel, including three crew members from the AirCenter. Two crew members were Johnson County residents. The other resided in Kansas City, Missouri.

Megan Duncan, whose son, Spencer, an Olathe South High School graduate who was killed in the helicopter downing, will be an in-person speaker.

The program will include pre-recorded videos of traditional participation, including patriotic songs, wreath presentations by veteran organizations, the playing of “Taps” and rifle salute.

Due to Veteran's Day, there will be no Board of County Commissioners meeting and Johnson County facilities will be closed.