Veterans Day in Liberty County got off to an early start this year, as Hinesville’s fourth annual Veterans Salute promised a good time Saturday to those who attended.

It delivered, as festival goers got to sample food and crafts, check out motorcycles and cars, and hear both the 3rd ID band and musicians participating in a battle of the bands. And it was all for a good cause, raising funds for the Veterans Memorial Walk at Bryant Commons.

George Holtzman, who is co-chairman of the Veterans Memorial Walk program and who along with his wife Babs recently donated $50,000 toward the project, said the walk, which will include a lake and a memorial to both POWs and MIAs is "coming along nicely."

"It’s being built on 3-1/2 acres of the 150 acres of Bryant Commons and it’ll honor all branches of service" Holtzman said. ‘We’ve been working on the project for nine years. It’s a million dollar project and we’re about halfway there. We hope to break ground on Nov. 4, 2017, but we still need to raise about $400,000."

The Veterans’ Salute set the stage for what’s to come Friday on Veterans Day.

The Hinesville VFW will start things rolling Friday with its annual ceremony at the post beginning at 10:30 a.m., though those who attend are asked to be seated by 10:25 a.m.

Fort Stewart Garrison Commander Col. Townley Hedrick is the keynote speaker, and there will be the laying of wreathes and tolling of the bell at 11 a.m. Refreshments will be served afterward.

The annual East Liberty County American Legion Post 321 will cap off the day’s events with its parade through downtown Hinesville beginning at 4 p.m. Concessions will be available.