I once heard someone say

There's no heroes left today

But I knew some back in 1968

All of my brothers in arms

Who served in Vietnam

They were heroes then

They're still heroes today."

Those words are from "They're Still Heroes," a bittersweet ballad written by Stu Huggens, describing his experience during the Vietnam War.

Huggens will be the speaker at the 11-11-11 Club's annual luncheon. The event will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 11, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Red Rose Memorial VFW Post 2435, Fourth and Manor streets, Columbia.

The 11-11-11 Club event is open to all veterans and the general public, and it will begin with the tolling of a bell 11 times to mark the signing of the armistice agreement that ended World War I. That agreement was signed at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

"This year, we have a student from the Columbia High School band, Harrington Bovell, a trumpet player, who will be playing taps," said Bob Herman, committee member. "We'll also have a brief ceremony, and then we'll have a meal - a full turkey dinner."

Huggens, a graduate of Columbia High School, will be the keynote speaker at the event. He joined the Marine Corps just after graduation in July of 1968. By March of 1969, he was serving in the 2nd Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam. In his second tour of duty, Huggens served in the 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Marine Division.

After returning from the war, Huggens founded the Susquehanna River Band. The group toured throughout the United States and Canada, telling stories through song as an opening act for Charlie Daniels, The Allman Brothers, Reba McEntire, Hank Williams and many others.

Huggens has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, and his song "They're Still Heroes" was a Top 10 hit. Named Country Music Ambassador of Pennsylvania by the governor and Pennsylvania Senate, Huggens sang that song for the dedication of the Berks County Vietnam War memorial. The song was also played to open meetings for Gold Star Mothers, an organization for women who have lost a child in service to the United States armed forces.

"He'll talk about his experience in the war, and we're hoping he might sing, too," Herman said of Huggens' appearance at the luncheon.

The 11-11-11 Club has been meeting for 104 years, and the club continues to draw a crowd.

"Lately, we're getting more younger vets coming to the dinner, and it's good to see how they interact and how they talk with the old salts," Herman said, noting that upwards of 125 people typically come to the club event.

The Nov. 11 ceremony and meal is the only activity of the 11-11-11 Club, but it still has an impact on the community, Herman said.

"We do this to honor all veterans," he stated. "We want to honor their service and not forget them. They have to be remembered, and they have to be taken care of. We owe so much to our veterans."

There is a charge to attend the event, and registration is required by Wednesday, Nov. 4. To make a reservation, call Kevin Kraft at 717-684-2370.