SALISBURY — Downtown Salisbury is holding a special First Friday event to honor local heroes for Veterans Day.

Salisbury Salutes Hometown Heroes will take place this Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. with various activities for the community to enjoy.

The Rowan Museum, at 202 N. Main St., will be hosting an opening ceremony to welcome the heroes to downtown Salisbury at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Karen Alexander and Downtown Salisbury, Inc. Executive Director Paula Bohland will give remarks, followed by a performance of the National Anthem.

The ceremony will end with taps and a gun salute. Families will be able to talk with the local heroes and also view vehicles in the Davis & Davis Law Firm parking lot across, across the street from the museum, throughout the evening.

Community members will be able to buy luminaries for $1 to dedicate to loved ones at Queen’s Gifts at 221 S. Main St. and place them throughout the downtown to admire as the sun goes down.

All proceeds from the luminaries will be donated to Elizabeth Dole’s Hidden Heroes Foundation.

Ruby’s Fashion Boutique, at 210 S. Main St., will also be collecting gently used backpacks, toiletry items and clothing for homeless veterans in the community.

All are invited to bring their families and attend the event. Downtown shops and restaurants will be open until 9 p.m. for late night shopping and dining.

For more information, contact Downtown Salisbury, Inc. at 704-637-7814 or info@downtownsalisburync.com.