The Historical Society and Kiwanis clubs of Federal Way are hosting a ceremony to honor local veterans.

The Honoring Our Own Veterans Day celebration is from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at Todd Beamer High School.

“The historical society has been providing Veterans’ Day observance for many years and a few years ago when joined forces with the Kiwanis Club,” said Diane Noble-Gulliford. “Having a Veterans Day celebration is very important for our city and an important part of our local history. Also, we need to thank our veterans for all they’ve done for us.”

The program’s first speaker is Kiwanis Club President Dave Larson, who will explain how the “Gettysburg Address” applies to us in today’s society.

Larson, a 47-year resident of Federal Way, is one of the organizers of this event. Larson serves as presiding judge for Federal Way Municipal Court.

The highlight of this year’s Veterans Day observance is keynote speaker Sgt. Maj. John Macejunes, who served in the United States Army from 1980 to 2004.

Macejunes was in the 2nd Battalion/75th Infantry Regiment, the first Special Forces Group and the Combat Application Group. He retired as a sergeant major in 2004.

After leaving the Army, Marcejunes attended and graduated from the University of Washington’s School of Law. He practices law in Pierce County.

The Honoring Our Own program is a free community event. Present will be Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell and local government officials, presentations involving Todd Beamer and Federal Way Reserve Officers’ Training Corps groups, both boy and girl scout troops, Federal Way Police Explorers, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2886 and performances by Nana Lemeveve and Federal Way’s popular group the Harmony Kings.

The program is designed for the public to invite veterans they know to come and be recognized by name at the event and to see how local youth are involved in the community.

Families of all generations are encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be provided at the end of the program.