Honoring U.S. military veterans on Nov. 11 each year is a tradition that dates to the end of World War I. The Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva also follows its own newer tradition: a veterans service dedicated to members, friends and family who have served their country in the military.

“The Unitarian Universalist community has long honored veterans,” said the Rev. Dr. Lindsay Bates, senior minister. “There are six UU chaplains currently on active duty in the military. On the weekend closest to Veterans Day each year, our church services focus on remembering and honoring all who have served. Many UU churches across the country do the same.”

Peter Coe helped found the veterans service at UUSG a decade ago and has participated ever since.

“Our goal from the start was to honor veterans in and outside of the church,” he said. Coe served with the Army in Vietnam and has been a clinical psychologist for 26 years, often working with troubled ex-military men and women. “The specific content of our program varies each year, but we never stray from that central message of honor and respect.”

Personal experiences typically form the core of the veterans service, with outside guests occasionally invited to share their own military memories. This year, the stories focus on coming home from war, with remembrances from a World War II German Army POW, as well as soldiers, sailors and a former peace activist from the congregation.

The veterans service will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, and at 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 9. Veterans of the Army, Air Force and Navy will lead the service, along with the Rev. Adam Robersmith, associate minister.

Visitors are always welcome at this historic congregation, which was founded in 1842. The Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva is at Second and James streets in Geneva, a block east of the downtown courthouse.

For more information, visit www.uusg.org or call (630) 232-2350.