First High Springs Vets’ Day starts at 1p.m.

Civilians, veterans and active military personnel alike are invited to the High Springs Civic Center this afternoon to join in honoring the men and women who fight for their country.

The event, Veterans’ Day in High Springs, is sponsored by the Marine Corps League of Gainesville, and will run from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Local community activist, league official and Vietnam vet, Bob Barnas, has been planning the day for months. He said there is going to be live music, food and guest speakers from different military branches and different wars.

What Barnas referred to as the main event, a flyover by a World War II L-4 spotter plane, is scheduled for 3 p.m.

The plane and its pilot, Bob Oehl, hail from Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum in Keystone Heights.

The event is completely free and open to the public, and there will be special motorcycle and handicapped parking available. Though the event will be going on outdoors, the Civics Center restrooms will be open for use.

Barnas encouraged everyone to come out and either bring a vet or meet a vet, and of course, thank a vet.

The High Springs Civic Center is located at 330 Santa Fe Boulevard (US Highway 441).