PIQUA — Melcher-Sowers Funeral Home will honor veterans by participating in its 10th annual “Operation Sweaters for Veterans,” which runs Nov. 6-10.

“It is our great pleasure to be able to say thank you to our veterans in such a special way,” said Brian Sowers, funeral director at Melcher-Sowers Funeral Home. “We can never repay what they have done for us, but we can show our appreciation in this small way.”

Each year on Nov. 11, Americans throughout the world commemorate Veterans Day, a day set aside to thank our nation’s veterans for service given and sacrifices made to protect the freedoms of our great nation.

Participating Veterans and Family Memorial Care Providers nationwide are sponsors of “Operation Sweaters for Veterans,” a unique way to honor these heroes. Beginning Monday, Nov. 7 through Friday, Nov. 11, nearly 1,000 VFMV Providers in 49 states will be collecting new or gently used sweaters and gloves to donate to veterans in VA hospitals or veterans’ homes nationwide.

The dates for the promotion have historic significance: Nov. 11 is the anniversary of the Armistice signed in the Forest of Compiegne by the Allies and the Germans in 1918. At 5 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, 1918, the Germans signed the Armistice, an order was issued for all firing to cease, bringing the hostilities of the First World War to an end.

Melcher-Sowers Funeral Home, located at 646 W. High St. in Piqua, is the area’s official “Sweaters for Veterans” collection center. Area residents may drop off new or gently used sweaters or gloves to be donated to the Dayton Veterans Administration Hospital and Home.

Collection hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6, through Friday Nov. 10.