Veterans Day Celebration

November is a time to remember those we have lost and those who have served our country, often making the ultimate sacrifice to protect us all. The holiday season has begun, a time for reflection and connection. We look back on days gone by and look forward to the celebrations on the horizon.

Day of the Dead – Dia de Los Muertos

Our Hispanic friends and family encourage us to honor our lost loved ones on November 2, known as the Day of the Dead – Dia de Los Muertos. We make special offerings to those loved ones who have passed away. The offerings include food, flowers, and personal items set down at makeshift alters where pictures of loved ones are placed. The holiday celebrates life and is a reminder that love is everlasting. If you missed the chance to do this, you can create your own celebration at home for those who have passed. The Movie Coco illustrates this day in a lovely way and is an excellent film to watch with the family this time of year as we move into the holiday season.

Of course, November is the month that includes our celebration of Veterans Day. Technically, Veterans Day is on Saturday, November 11, 2023, but it will be observed nationally on Friday, November 10. This is a day that, as a nation, we collectively thank those who served our country. Most of us know someone who gave of themselves to protect our country. Make sure that you find a way to thank them and honor them and the sacrifices they have made.

Here in Marshall, the North Elementary School’s Fifth Grade students will present a Veterans Day Celebration Program to honor our veterans, particularly our local heroes, on Friday, November 10, at the Marshall Junior High Gym. The program starts at 1 pm, and be sure to get there a bit early to get your seat. It is open to the public and is a wonderful program not to be missed.

Historic Cemetery Walk

If you are interested in the history of some of the citizens laid to rest in our own Marshall Cemetery, join costumed volunteers of The Clark County Historical Society for a walk through Marshall Cemetery on Sunday, November 5, from 11 am to 2 pm. The volunteers will share some of the stories of people laid to rest there.

The cost is $10 per person, ages 13 and up, and tickets are sold at the event. The proceeds will be split between the Clark County Historical Society and Marshall Cemetery. They promise that this historical event is not meant to scare the participants, so it is safe to bring the kiddos.

Think Local as We Head Into the Holidays

Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away, and soon, we will be thinking about Christmas and Hanukah. Yes, it is tempting to buy everything online or to take a trip to a big box store to buy all your holiday gifts and décor, but please think local instead. Everything you need to decorate your house, create a fabulous holiday meal, and obtain wonderful gifts for your friends and family is here in Marshall. Order your turkey, and buy local vegetables and baked goods to make a great Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Shop for fabulous handmade items to make your home a festive place, and of course, shop local for gifts that can’t be found online or in big generic stores.

Find Out Everything That is Happening for the Holidays and Make Your Plans

Hometown Holiday Happenings Webinar

You can join this Zoom webinar to learn everything you need to know about staying local for the holidays. The Illinois Business Navigator Alliance of Southcentral & Southeastern Illinois is holding a webinar on Zoom to help you plan the best options for celebrating and shopping locally during the holiday season. Communities across our region are preparing to welcome visitors with special events and activities, and this webinar will give you all the details so you don’t miss a thing.

The event will be held on Thursday, November 16 at noon. You must register to attend, where you will hear presentations from local tourism directors and have chances to win tickets to various events and gift certificates given from area businesses.